Memorial Day

My father was a career US Army noncom and decorated Vietnam combat veteran. He died in an airline crash in 1973 while returning to Spain, where he was serving as liaison officer with the Spanish armed services. I never really had the opportunity to know him; maybe it was in part a desire to follow in his footsteps that prompted me to sign up for the Army's Delayed Entry Program just before my senior year in high school. But in the quarter before my graduation I got cold feet and decided on college instead.

Probably, that second decision was the better for me, for a number of reasons, and I never really gave it much reflection in the intervening years. Until September 2001: since then I have often thought that given the opportunity to do things again, I would choose to postpone higher education for just a few years in order to serve.

Because now I can't, at least not in that fashion; there's something faintly ridiculous about the notion of a 37 year-old raw recruit. So I get to stay home, in safety, while soldiers the same age as my current students fight in Afghanistan, and Iraq, and soon perhaps elsewhere, for me.

And some have paid the ultimate price.

Makes me feel unworthy as hell. Nonetheless, I say with no apology that this war is being fought in my name. And I am very grateful to all in our armed services, and those of our allies as well, for taking on this task in my stead.

So on this Memorial Day: Thank you, and may God keep you.

May we never forget.

Though I understand your wish to have served your country, I am glad you are safe and at home. Everything happens for a reason, and God had a different plan for your life, here amongst the people those soldiers are fighting for. Maybe it sounds selfish to say that I am glad you never chose that life, but hey you are my brother, I am allowed. Love ya, D