Memorial Day 2009 by lalverson
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
I had been attempting to think of a good way to honor our fallen soldiers. As a former soldier myself i take this memorial day quite seriously for the soldiers and sailors that have given their all desurve nothing less than the honor of a hero. For to me that is what they are.
I served for many years, and only once did I see the deadly narrow space where some other soldier decide to try and take my life. I was lucky that that soldier was a terrible shot. But that was the nature of the business of the defence of our country.
I also wanted to honor those that currently serve. Many must try to survive that deadly space I once saw. I pray they are as lucky as i was.
What it comes down to is this...
All I can do is offer them a seat. A place to sit and rest a moment from thier deadly duty. A seat that is and always will be open to them. Wherever that seat is, a the dinner table, or living room, or at the beach, or even a concert. There will always be a place they may come and rest.
For you see this chair is in my soul. It goes wherever I might. It is always waiting for you. I will never forget what they did for me, I will never forget what I did with them.
They are my brothers and sisters, they are family. There will always be a place from them in my life reguardless of the day of year...
Rest easy guys, You earned it..
Comments (7)
shipmanjonathan
Fabulous! Love it!
Charlemagne
We had a table on the main mess deck (the cafeteria, for you land-lubbers) set aside for POWs and KIAs. The food was the same as what was served to the squids for that meal; the highest ranking NCO in the supply department walked the line himself. The food was placed on the ship's formal china; the same stuff they use when a head of state is onboard. Once the food is placed to the master chief's satisfaction, the rest of us were allowed to get our own food. The table was guarded by two of the ship's security force. Whenever possible, fresh flowers were procured for the crystal vase that was clamped to the table; when none were possible, the ghosts made due with silk. I think they'd understand. Once, we did have a person sit at the table and take his meal. He was elderly; walked with a cane. Someone's grandfather, I think. He ate slowly, with formal dignity. I don't think he tasted a thing; the tears streaming down his cheeks washing away everything except the past. The ship's exec stood attendant, acting ship's commander as the skipper had been recalled to Washington while we were in port. Never seen that chair used before or since; but if you asked anyone, it was never empty during meals. I like to think my great uncle sat there with us; bitching about the scrambled eggs. "To absent companions, and those still on patrol!"
elfin12u
Wonderful dedication!!! It seems to me that most of those in the generations behind us don't seem to take this weekend as seriously. My father was a vet, probably the hardest part of the funeral was when the honor guard presented the folded flag to my mother, the young soldier had tears in his eyes,....for a man he never knew.
Osper
Class act!!!!
Styxx
I am moved beyond words Lee. Thank you.
Butchpfd
Honor those who served. As a firefighter I have taken part in police and fire service funerals, the hardest are for those who are also veterans. Double lines of Honor Guards. I have had the distinct privelige of being the flag presenter. It is the longest five paces a person will ever do. "On behalf of the Fire Service and the United States of America, I present you with our countries colors in loving memory of your fallen loved one"
katy555
Beautiful design, lighting and all the reflection...