This is really getting to me! I want to be there to defend that Wall so bad it hurts. I've been there twice, and I broke down twice. That is indeed a place of honor. I saw the names of men that I served with, men that I tried to save, and couldn't. Men that saved my life and the lives of other men, at the cost of their own. Men that were the bravest I have had the honor of serving with, and men that were my brothers.
As I write this I look upon a portrait, framed above my desk, from where I write. It is of a man in a business suit leaning on that Wall with one hand. The reflection from the other side is of a group of combat GIs reaching for their side of the Wall, the other side. My wife hates that portrait. She says it's so sad. I tell her that it makes me feel good. It says I will never, ever forget those brave men, those friends, those brothers, As long as that memory lives within me, I am a better man. These are the men that gave the strength and courage, and the full measure of their lives, these are the men that gave me courage and freedom. I may not have survived had it not been for them.
I owe these men the last ounce of courage of my life to defend their place of honor.
It is un-nerving ~ at first.
I have been to the Wall twice also. The war ended before I was needed, and my lottery number was high.
I have read and reread your second paragraph of your post, and I am moved to tears.Thank you for describing what those names meant to you.
I respect those names. But they were real flesh and blood to you.
Thank you for your service then, and for your continuing service to your fellow man, in medicine.
Timydnuc, that portrait you talked about--where I take my 76 year old mother-in-law for physical therapy--there is a huge copy of that picture front and center in the reception area. It is a most sobering, but poignant reminder neve to break faith with those who gave all.
You'll be there on the 17th in spirit. You friends on the other side will understand.
Then I will be there for you.
I'll take your slack brother. You've more than pulled your weight.
Just remeber this isn't the last battle, only one in a series.
Stay well.
Hold a Rally in your home town on another day. Its time for action! Not whining about where you cannot go and cannot be. Do what you can where you can when you can. Thats enough.
I'm going out the door in 25 minutes to have a Support Our Troops Rally in Greeley, Colorado. We will be counter protesting the anti-war protest. The wind is howling at 40mph and it's 30 degrees., and I'm dressing like a polar bear. I'll hold a flag high and think of what you wrote.
All the Best.