Written by Dallea Caldwell
They say soldiers never die, they just fade away.
This Memorial Day, many Americans are grasping for the vapors of loved ones who’ve literally gone up in smoke in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other war zones around the world and throughout recent history. A fortunate many hold dear to soldiers still fighting, in hopes that they return safely so that their hair fades to grey, along with the fiery courage that calls them to service, long before the hero him or herself ever does.
They say soldiers never die until they are forgotten.
Memorial Day calls Americans to remember the brave few who lived and died for the land and people they loved. Remembrance breaths life into the spirit of service, courage, and sacrifice to which these brave men and women have devoted themselves.
They say a great many things, those who speak for the dead.
So many poetic speakers for the dead only speak and do not live for the principles for which those soldiers stood. So in closing, we’re letting one soldier speak for himself — through historical letters — in the hopes that it inspires everyone to serve in any way they can.
“I am willing — perfectly willing — to lay down all my joys in this life… But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows — when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children — is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?”
– Sullivan Ballou, Civil War, July the 14th, 1861
Remembering American Soldiers
The TalkLocal Team wishes every American family a loving Memorial Day full of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and comfort for those families with triangular flags on their mantles.
Happy Memorial Day.
