Sunday, June 10, 2012

Remembering the Fallen

Yesterday, I attended a tour called 'Remembering the Fallen'.  A couple out of Nebraska started this as a way to honor the fallen from each state.  I have been to memorials before where there have been large numbers of individuals who come out to remember, but yesterday was a little different.  Most of those in attendance were the families of the fallen.

The initial ceremony included a roll call, in which the family members each stood at the podium and read the name of their fallen loved one.  As I heard names that I recognized, emotions started welling up.  But the one that hit the hardest, was the young son of a fallen soldier who read his daddy's name while trying to maintain his composure.  Such strength and courage in such a small package. 

After the official ceremony was complete, the families stayed around for a bit.  Since they had been there for viewing an hour prior, most had seen the pictures of their soldier and left a note already.  But as they stood around, they introduced themselves - many already knew each other from other events such as this, but they offered open arms to those who had more recently joined this small group.  They consoled each other, they talked about their heroes and they smiled and laughed as they shared some of the stories they like to remember. 

This is a group of families that has truly embodied the meaning behind no one left behind.  They ensure their heroes aren't forgotten, but they also ensure that none of the families who are going where they have been are left behind.  In their loss of a part of their family, they gain an addition to their families who help them to remember those they lost but who help them move forward.

Watching these families together was truly amazing and is an experience I will not forget, just as I will not forget those they ensure are remembered. 




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