By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
Tiny American flags fluttered in the breeze at public and private cemeteries, covering the ground like spring flowers. We should be humbled by the sight of so many red, white and blue symbols of personal courage and patriotism.
Not all of them mark the grave of someone killed in combat but each one does mark the final resting place of someone willing to die for their country…our country. Special thanks go to those who plant the little flags in memory of departed comrades and loved ones.
Many of us attended Memorial Day events this week and no doubt noticed with sadness that the number of World War II veterans grows smaller each year. We are losing hundreds of them each day. Most have reached their 90s.
Men who shouldered a rifle now carry a cane. Men who drove trucks, landing craft and tanks now steer a two-wheeled walker. Men who flew in airplanes and sailed in ships now ride in wheelchairs.
Men who stood ramrod straight now struggle to stand fully upright. Men who could see like an eagle now are lucky to see at all.
Women who nursed the wounds of war now receive nursing care. Women who fed the warriors now struggle to feed themselves.
The World War II vets are not much older than those who fought in Korea. They are followed by those who went to Vietnam…to the Gulf War…to Iraq and Afghanistan…many for multiple tours of duty as the fight against terrorism drags on and on.
One might wonder where we find these gallant men and women who wear our nation’s military uniforms. We find them right here at home in what President Ronald Reagan so aptly described as “the freest society man has ever known”.
They don’t serve for money or medals. They serve to defend the birthright of freedom we all share as Americans. To each, we gratefully say thank you for keeping us free.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
(Reprinted from 2016)
