Giving liberty: Meaning of Memorial Day lies in service, sacrifice

Sierra Vista Herald, Sierra Vista Arizona ^ | 5/30/04 | Bill Hess

[SandRat]

SIERRA VISTA - As men and women of America's armed forces are in harm's way this Memorial Day, thoughts of them and those who came before them in defending the nation's freedoms are on the minds of some area residents.

Today - May 30 - is the traditional day when those who fell in defense of America's liberties are honored.

For C. Kurt Smolen, there is an additional reason to remember.

"It's my birthday," he said as a wide smile came across his face.

But then he quickly turned serious.

"It's the real Memorial Day," the World War II veteran said. "It brings home all the people who gave their lives."

He choked up as he spoke.

"I can't talk about it without being emotional," Smolen said. "I think of all those who didn't come back."

He wasn't just talking about World War II. He said he was talking about all the conflicts in which America's men and women have been called to serve. The list is woven in the nation's history, from the Revolutionary War to today's conflicts.

The holiday should be a time of reflection of those "who guaranteed our liberties," Smolen said.

Without those who sacrificed their lives for the country America would have no freedoms, he said.

That is the same view held by Charlotte Walter, who, like Smolen, attended the unveiling of the World War Two Memorial Dedication postage stamp in Sierra Vista's Veterans' Memorial Park Saturday.

Sitting next to her was her husband of 63 years, Bob. They married before he went off to serve during World War II. She said he was lucky coming home unharmed.

But she is concerned about what is facing the families who are serving in the armed forces.

Walter knows families with servicemen and servicewomen in combat situations today are worried, as she was when her husband was fighting in World War II.

As tears flowed down her cheeks, she said, "My heart bleeds for the young people in Iraq and Afghanistan."

This Memorial Day many families will mourn those who were killed in those two countries. As of Friday, 800 Americans have died in Iraq. The number for Afghanistan is not available.

"I wish they were all home now," Walter said. "Perhaps it will come to a close soon."

She recognizes that the duty and deaths of all who have served the nation by being members of America's armed forces have ensured the continuation of the freedoms for the nation's citizens.

[SandRat]

Let us all lift up our voices in praise and rememberance of all those who have scrificed for our freedom.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[PleaseNoMore]

This weekend my son graduated from High School and we had a wonderful celebration. One of those in attendance was my friend's grandfather, Col. Gene Watts (retired from the Air Force in '66 after serving 30 years). Col. Watts is 87 years young and has just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. During our dinner he asked to toast the graduates ( my son and nephew and several of their friends ). This man rose and spoke to these young men and when he was done there was not a dry eyed graduate (or anyone else for that matter) among them. This man spoke of honor, resepct, patriotism, sacrifice and love for one's country. He raised his glass to these young men, two of whom are about to embark upon military careers, he called each of them by name and looked them in the eye, one by one, and spoke words of great wisdom to them.

After the toast, my son stood and asked to say a few words to Col Watts. He told Col. Watts that it was they, the grads, who should be paying honor to Col. Watts. He said that without men of integrity and honor such as that in Watts that he and his friends would not be where they are today. He told him that it was men like himself who had paved the road for him and his friends and how the sacrifices of those like Watts have enabled them to be and remain free to follow their dreams. His closing words were "Col. Watts, I am proud and honored to call you my friend. I salute you and all of your brothers who have given so much so that I might have the opportunity and the freedom to be the man that God designed me to be."

Col. Watts sat there with tears in his eyes as the graduates began to salute him and then as each person in the room began to clap and rise to a standing ovation. I don't know how long he will be with us as his cancer is advanced and not responding to treatment. But, I hope that for one moment his life was enriched by a group of young boys just starting their own trip into adulthood.

God Bless each and every surviving veteran of any service and thank you for all you have done for us.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Great post, PleaseNoMore.

I think we need to get more WWII Veterans into our local schools, too. A member of the VFW at my church was surprised to learn that the youngest, next greatest generation, "gets it" - often in spite of being raised by PC parents.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Walter knows families with servicemen and servicewomen in combat situations today are worried, as she was when her husband was fighting in World War II.

As tears flowed down her cheeks, she said, "My heart bleeds for the young people in Iraq and Afghanistan."

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I spent a few hours at a local cemetery today - sweeping, placing flags. It was good to be there, to be able to pray for the families, just love them.

Thank you so much for your posts the last few days, SandRat.

[SandRat]

Your son was brought up correctly and so were his friends.

Blessings upon the mothers and fathers of all them.

What your son and his friends did was worth more to the Colonel than all the promotions, medals, ribbons, skill badges, letters, or certificates that he received in service. He received the honest, heartfelt respect, and gratitude of a younger generation that will now hold high and protect the torch of liberty.