Monday, May 5, 2008

Being Neighborly


We welcomed a new neighbor on Friday. Actually he had a large welcoming committee. Neighbors lined up at the off ramp near our neighborhood to wave him home. There was a large line of cars bringing him to his new resting place. I lost count after 20; I could not keep track of all the motorcycles with flags waving in the wind. I looked in the cars and noticed men and women of all ages; many in uniform.

Our home is on the way to the veteran's cemetery. Since moving to our new home in February we have seen about 6 funeral processions. They are all significant because the men and woman that lie there have given the greatest sacrifice. For some reason, though, this one was different. This young man was only thirty; just a few years younger than me and Daddy. The young man was wounded in combat. Although he did not die from the gunshot in his shoulder he died from infection after the fact.

The boys and I watched the cars pass the house while we sat on a big rock in our front yard. The American flag that hangs in the yard waved in the wind and would provide sun or shade depending on the wind. The flapping sound the flag made caused Little Man to look up and see what it was. It was odd, how he had his hand on his forehead to block the sun while looking up; I wish I had had my camera at the time.

Little Man asked if he could see "the little boy" that was "going home". I explained that although I call him a "boy", he is really a man. Like Daddy is a man; even more man than some much older than he was. We talked about being a soldier and what that means. We talked about the different branches of the armed forces. We talked about his Daddy, all his grandfathers, and many others in our family choosing to join. Although I know he doesn't truly understand what it all means, I wanted to plant the seed. Our children are so fortunate to have so many choices, I want to make sure they understand why and how they do.






Support them...




*Although I did not create this I thought it was appropriate.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

My eyes teared up on this post because over here on LI we recently lost another local who was only 19 years old. 19. His life did not even begin yet. It broke my heart to know his parents would never see him again because of this war. Drives me crazy.

he too was someones little boy. so sad.

Joeprah said...

Such a shame, so young, so much to give. Great post.

MarĂ­a said...

So, so sad.

KG said...

As somebody whose husband is currently serving in Iraq, it makes me happy to know people out there are teaching their children the sacrifices others are making for them . . . especially the ones who won't be coming home. We need all the support we can get!

Amy said...

Wonderful post! I think of this everyday!

Honeybell said...

This is lovely. Living in a major military town, we are often faced with the mortality of those who serve our country. So very sad.

Putz said...

we also need to remember the 160 britians and some spanish and also 89'000 iraq citizens, and also service dogs lost in the line of duty in 9-11 and elswhere, of course 4000=+ service men and women, and one civilian cook i know of

Amanda-The Family News! said...

This is very sad...I am a military brat myself - my father served in both the Marines and Army and my grandfather in the Air Force. My brother in law is in the Army and currently stationed in Iraq. I have a cousin who just returned from there. My sister's family was stationed in Germany and on one of my trips over there, they lost a soldier in Iraq in my brother in laws unit. I attended the memorial service for the young man (I believe he was only 28) and it was very emotional. It is such a sad tragedy...please support our soldiers!!! Great post here!!!
Amanda

Unknown said...

Wow, that video was quite emotional and totally appropriate - thanks for sharing.