To those that have given their all…

As I sit here safe & comfortable (not too warm and not too cool) I realize that I have many THANKS to give to those that have given the ultimate “ALL” so that we can be… Memorial Day in the USA is a time of joy and celebration on so many levels: spring is well established, most schools are on summer break with many families planning vacation adventures, brides & grooms pursuing their dreams-n-vows. What would it be like had so many not stepped-up and become one of creations flowers?  



Stonewall Jackson, MW* Chancellorsville



Our reflections today are for those killed in action (KIA), mortally wounded (MW) or taken from us during their roles as warriors and protectors. Before advances of medicine of the mid-20^th Century, that would include a lot of folks from sickness and disease while under arms. The numbers that perished from wounds that might now have survived now is significant: Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson comes to mind. We now have many warriors wounded for life that would have formerly been KIA or MW. Due to the sacrifices of so many we have had great advances in science and technology. War has been hated for a long time, most by the veterans of same that all too often left their youth, innocence, optimism and buried friends in the wake of war’s terrible toll. To those we left behind to the annals of history: we salute you today (and everyday).

Spotted Tail-Little Big Man & anti-Crazy Horse faction

Having been a NPS Ranger and historian at sites of conflict and peace (Little Bighorn, Chalmette/Battle of New Orleans, and Fort Laramie), I’m aware of the steep price that so many have paid for this Republic. Our very Uncivil War (aka: “The War of Northern Aggression”) spread carnage across many field, forest and wilderness. It impacted several generations and opened us to need even more immigration, which continues to this day. Intra-cultural struggles have been with us for as long as we can recall: Patriot vs. Tory; Confederate (and Copperheads) vs. Union (draft protests); Red Cloud/Spotted Tail vs. Crazy Horse, and the peace marches of Vietnam and last decade, etc. You never know if this conflict's adversary will soon become your allie...

http://atwar.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/25/as-memorial-day-nears-a-single-image-that-continues-to-haunt/

http://store.ceutopia.com/2012_Combat_Stress_Conference_s/1874.htm

I am reminded 8-years ago I wrote a Father’s Day letter to my deceased Dad re: the evolutions I’d grown through since his death (1987). It was posted for awhile on some veteran’s web-page, the link to which was long ago abandoned. I still remember my pledge that I would never forget those that serve (or served). After all, without the efforts of those that gave their lives would I even be here: preparing for another work assignment in Petra? Certainly when our departure date was rescheduled from late March to June 7^th I immediately, thought: “D-Day + 1” - where so many gave-their-all. THANK YOU ALL that have performed your duty and forfeited you future: for your courage and the gifts of freedom and life for which I remain eternally grateful...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/petra-jordans-famous-city-of-stone-faces-a-preservation-struggle/2012/05/24/gJQAtBg5pU_story.html

Union General Augustus van Horne Ellis, KIA Gettysburg

*- Thomas "Stonewall Jackson was a victim of "friendly fire" when he was mortally wounded by Confederate soldiers while returning from a recon-mission. He lost an arm and 8-days later his life.