So many, across many wars, times so many thousands...
Upon the Fields of Flanders, at Omaha Beach, in the Pacific struggle, on the shores of Tripoli, at so many other places... To them, I honor those who gave their lives defending freedom, those who returned injured, and those who struggled to help them all with ceremony and aid where possible.
Family lore is not always that certain, but I know I had Uncles who fought WWII in the Pacific and in Europe and probably Aunts and Grandparents who also served at home in industries supporting them. From what I know, my Dad and his brother spent WWII building submarines, having been declined for more active enlistment for medical reasons.
I expect building submarines required a lot of effort, so they did their part.
I mentioned "family lore". Apparently "Uncle Buzzy" dropped a bomb down a Japanese Destroyer smoke-staff, and sank it. The others served in Europe. All came home...
But so many didn't. So on this day, I pause to remember those who did not. There will probably come a time in the future when those soldiers will be forgotten. But it is not this day and time.
I honor all today, quietly, here and now...
