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On Monday, May 27, all of America celebrated Memorial Day in honor of veterans who served in our country’s armed forces.
When I think of the sacrifice, the elements of danger, and the aspects of heroism many veterans endured during the time of war,
I am reminded about my father who served in the United States Army. My father was about 19 years of age when he entered the army, by choice mind you, to serve in the Vietnam War. Several months later, he was in a hospital in Japan recuperating from injuries he received while saving the life of a fellow soldier who had stepped on a booby-trap, for which my father earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
My father doesn’t disclose much of his experience during his time in Vietnam, I don’t blame him. For my father and the thousands like him, witnessing the death and destruction that ensues during a war is eternally etched into their minds, so is the loss of their fallen comrades. To veterans, Memorial Day is not just another holiday; it’s a day of honoring our nation’s fallen warriors and it means something. Imagine the willingness to sacrifice your life for the life another; to me is the epitome of bravery.
About two decades years ago, I visited our nation’s capital. I was in awe of all the historical sites, museums, and of course the White House but, the sites that invoked much thought and sorrow were of the various memorials dedicated to the fallen veterans of wars throughout our nation’s history. The overbearing weight of loss and tragedy that was left by these brave men and women for their family members to embrace overwhelmed me.
As I think about the sacrifices that our nation’s sons and daughters have given us, I am reminded of a letter written by President Abraham Lincoln in 1864 to Lydia Bixby, a mother of five sons who perished during the Civil War. His words to her were:“
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming, but I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to serve. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”
This is an act of selflessness is happening daily amongst our soldiers who upon return home from their duty will be known as veterans. Regardless of your opinion on our country’s involvement in the ongoing wars that have taken place over the last decade, I believe veterans and soldiers alike deserve our respect and honor. This Memorial Day, if you know a veteran, take time to acknowledge him or her for their service.
Tell them “Thank you” and acknowledge their willingness to place their lives in harm’s way. Remember those who have died so that we may embrace the benefits of freedom that makes our nation flourish. Lastly, say a prayer that no more lives will need to be sacrificed for ill-gotten gains. To my father: Although the memories of what you and others have endured may never fade, may your hearts be at peace knowing that your service to this great nation will never be forgotten.
Zachery Román is the son of a Vietnam veteran and believes that qualities such as strength, honor, and courage embody veterans all over. Thank you for your service, we are indebted to you.
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Zachery Román is a writer who musings on fatherhood in the context of strength, honor and courage through faith can be found at Fatherly.com and The Good Men Project.
When I think of the sacrifice, the elements of danger, and the aspects of heroism many veterans endured during the time of war,
