Not Just a Bracelet...

A couple weeks ago I was at the lab in our local Military hospital when the young Soldier drawing my blood asked me about my bracelet.  He mentioned that he had seen quite a few people who wore them, mostly Soldiers, and he wondered what they were.  I looked at his young face and smiled and proceeded to tell them what the black bands were all about and then went on to tell him about the two Soldiers for whom my bracelet honored.  As he withdrew the needle and bandaged my arm, he put his hand on my arm and thanked me for sharing.  I looked at him and thanked him for asking.

Everyone wears the bracelet for different reasons.  9 years ago I made a promise to honor these men.  I promised to never forget.  The bracelet is a reminder to me of that promise.  Some people don't need the bracelet and I hope that even if I wasn't wearing the bracelet that I would still be doing my best to honor these men. 

It's weird to think that it's been 9 years since these men were called to Heaven.  I've had people ask me if I am ever going to stop wearing the bracelet.  I don't know.  Whether is 9 years or 49 years, I plan on doing all I can to never forget these men and the many others who were called home sooner than anyone anticipated. 

A couple months ago, Kevin's bracelet broke.  He has worn that bracelet for almost 9 years.  Slipping it on his wrist a few weeks after Bryant and Jose were called home.  I can count on one hand how many times he has taken it off and only out of necessity.  When he slipped it off after it broke, my heart ached when I looked at his face.  This bracelet was important to him.  I anticipated this moment and 9 years ago I had set aside an extra bracelet for him.  It's not just a bracelet to him.

I can't pretend to understand what the Herlem or Gomez family are going through on this day and I don't want to nor do I want to take anything away from them.  I'm simply sharing how important these men are to us and our promise to honor them the best way we know how. 

We live our life serving Soldiers, we try to honor both the living and the dead.  We wear a black band on our wrist...

It's not just a bracelet...it's a legacy.

We are Family

I have said it many times that the Military is one big, extended family.  That was proven again yesterday and today when our community came out in full support of helping honor a young Soldier who died while serving in Kuwait.  SPC Charles McClure's body was flown to Fort Leonard Wood and escorted through the installation and taken to a local funeral home yesterday.  The streets from the airport to funeral home were LINED the entire way.  To say I am humbled would be an understatement.  It was a beautiful sight to see.

Photo Copyright Daily Guide

Word came down that the church who likes to protest Soldier's funeral had issued a press release that they were coming to protest this young man's funeral.  Our community stepped up and said...no way!  I asked the boys last night if they wanted to go stand in support of this Fallen Soldier.  Their immediate response was YES!  Daniel told me that it made him angry and that if something happened to his Dad and they showed up, he would kick them in their face.  I love the bravery of an 11 year-old.

My boys, paying their respect

We got up this morning and we lined the street outside the cemetery.  I met some new people and reunited with others I have known since our time here.  I loved the spirit that I felt there, one of unification and community.

One of my favorite pics I snapped.  I recognized one of the wrestlers parking and when I walked down the hill a bit, I saw them hang this sign on his truck.  They were gracious enough to pose for me.  So proud of the youth in our community!

In recent weeks people have said some pretty ignorant comments to me in regards to our community.  They have made comments about the transition of the Military making their lives a bit hard.  As I stood on the side of the street today I thought briefly about those people and I suddenly felt sad for them.  They don't get it.  I looked to the left and the right of me and saw what it meant to live in this community and felt bad that they don't get to feel that sense of pride that can't even begin to be described in words.

Strangers lined up today and a family dispersed when the last vehicle left the cemetery.  I pray for the McClure family and hope that they felt uplifted in love and honor as they paid respects to their Soldier and said their goodbyes. Rest in Peace SPC McClure, we won't forget.

7 Years

Every year we toast to Bryant with a glass of grape kool-aid.  (We don't drink alcohol so we go for one of his favorite non-alcoholic beverages)

I really wanted to post this entry yesterday, on the actual anniversary, but my emotions got the best of me.  Whenever I think about how I want to remember this date (April 28th), I always feel a bit selfish because I want to talk about how this event changed MY life.  I feel guilty because it shouldn't be about me but about the families that it happened to.  Trust me, that is always on the forefront of mind but it is always tied into my own emotions and personal growth.

I decided after lots of pondering that I would talk about how it changed me and why it is so important to me to remember.  Why does it still hit me to the core of my soul and make me want to cry?

I never would have imagined 7 years ago that I would be in a situation where I would be so close to someone who was living my worst nightmare.  Yes, this is every Military wife's worst nightmare.  We spend so much of our time preparing for the what if's but we never believe it will happen to us or anyone that we know.  We read the names and some of us take a little more time to find out a little more so that  you feel like you are truly honoring the fallen.  At least, that's what I did and still continue to do.  I truly believe that every Fallen Military Member deserves to be more than a name in a news article.  Kevin used to ask me why I did that to myself.  He would often find me crying over the loss of people I didn't even know.

Before the 28th, this crazy war and the ugly parts of it were coming forth in reality for me.  Our Squadron was taking hits.  Until the 28th though, it was all injuries and while many were severe and life changing, I was grateful that they were alive and I still continued to live in what I called "the bubble."

A week before SFC Bryant Herlem and SGT Jose Gomez were killed, some Soldiers in our Squadron were severely burned in an RPG attack on their Bradley Vehicle.  One of the Soldiers belonged to our unit and the others were in one of the other companies in our Squadron.  That rocked my boat a bit and shook me up.  One of the Soldiers involved in that incident eventually passed away from his injuries (God Bless You, Brandon Teeters).  The families in our unit were beginning to get a bit nervous as there had been another incident in the beginning of April that had resulted in a Soldier (someone I admire greatly and truly consider a hero) losing both his legs.  We still believed though that while we might have injuries, as devastating as they were, we could get through this deployment without any deaths.  We wanted to believe that.

April 28th started out like a normal day for me.  I got the kids up and off to school, I went and visited with some of the women in my church and I was having lunch with one of my really great friends when I received a call on my cell phone.  I recognized the number but couldn't really place it.  When I answered, the person asked for me and then identified themselves as SFC "B", Mrs. H's, casualty notification officer.  I swear that at that moment the world fell out from underneath me.  I recall my friend asking me what was wrong.  The Sergeant told me that my presence had been requested and could I come.  I replied with a yes and said I'd be there as soon as I could.  I left the baby I was babysitting with my friend, called my boy's school to let them know someone would be picking them up and then I started driving.  Here's the crazy part, I had no idea where I was going.  I had never been to LH's house...ever.  Until that day we were acquaintances.  She was one of my points of contact in my FRG and we had had lunch and chatted on the phone but hadn't really hung out.  Kevin and her husband knew each other as they worked with each other everyday and were friends, but her and I weren't (though I don't doubt that we would have become friends anyway!).

I called my Rear Detachment Commander to ask for directions on how to get to her house while I was driving.  He played it cool (something I will always respect him for) when I initially called because the notification for the other family had yet to be made.  In fact, he had not even received word that LH had been notified as it had happened only 10 minutes before.  When I relayed to him the call that I had received, he helped to direct me to her house and I arrived just under 15 minutes after she had been notified.

I walked into her house, walked straight past the notification officer and chaplain, grabbed her head and kissed her forehead.  I am not usually a touchy-feely person but upon reflection of that day I realized I wanted her to know that I was committed.

Here's what I realize about the events of that day.  I KNOW that I was supposed to be there for my dear friend.  There are no coincidences in life.  I never hesitated, I just went...no questions asked.  I have often analyzed that...analyzed...never questioned.  I know I was meant to be her support.

I also know that I was meant to learn and grow from this experience.  And I have.  I learned that I had to appreciate every moment.  I learned I had to create memories.  I learned I had to love with my whole heart and take chances.  I learned that I had to put my marriage and family first.  I learned that life is too short to put up with crap.  I was told that I was intense before, but this pushed me to a whole new level of intensity because now it was mixed with a deep passion to live my life in a way that would honor those who had sacrificed their lives for me.  Maybe not personally, but I would never again take advantage of their sacrifice.

I always thought that I was patriotic but this pushed me to a whole new level.  I feel my love for my country and those who defend her so deeply.  I try to live my life in a way that honors all who serve and especially those who have fallen. 

I also learned that I have a role in never forgetting those who sacrificed and paid the price for my freedom.  They cannot be forgotten if we remember and share who they are.  I carry that responsibility in my heart and I try to fulfill it with my actions.

I wear a bracelet everyday with Bryant and Jose's names on it.  There are times when I think it might be time to put it in the jewelry box but it never feels right.  I don't know if and when I will ever take it off but I know the time is not right now.  It is one of the most important pieces of jewelry I own and I wear it proudly because each time someone asks me what it's for, it helps me to keep my promise of carrying out the legacy of these two Soldiers who were taken away from us too soon.

Seven years ago my world shifted...not in the same manner as it did for the Herlem or Gomez families and I will never say that my journey is even similar.  I am honored that the Lord saw fit to send me to someone who would end up being one of my best friends.  I feel blessed that He trusted me with one of his children who would need love, support and commitment and I can honestly say, seven years later, that it has been worth every step of the journey. 

I can't change the events of April 28th, 2006 but as a result of them, I am a changed person.

Gold Star Mother's Day 2012 Challenge

The Luminary Initiative

Today is Gold Star Mother's Day. We have our luminary ready to light as the sun goes down this evening to honor the Families of our Fallen Heroes. 

I would like to challenge my friends to do a little more on this day. I have had the honor to get to know a few Gold Star Mothers. Knowing them has really enlightened me in so many ways. One of them is the Mother of SPC Micheal "Pokey" Phillips. In honor of her son, she is striving to take care of "Pokey's" Brothers by gathering donations and items to send care packages to deployed Troops. I am asking my friends to consider donating to help her in this journey. You can go to her blog and on the right will be a donate button.

I also had the opportunity to meet the mother of SSG Daniel Tallouzi, in January 2011.  She is an amazing woman who took care of her son for over 2 1/2 years after he was injured and eventually passed away from his injuries.  I feel so blessed to have met her.  She is now a board member for the Wounded Warrior Project.  Watch this amazing video to find out more about her and her son and if you feel so inclined to check out their site and see what you can do to help will make a world of difference for our Troops and their Families.

If nothing else, please pause for a moment and remember the sacrifice of those who gave all and those they left behind.

Our luminary after sunset

“For those who fight to protect it, freedom has a flavor that the protected will never know."

I Cried

(photo courtesy of FLW PAO)

I woke up this morning and knew what was on the agenda before I even opened my calendar.

I cried.

I read an article talking about how two of the three fallen were a part of the recovery team of the helicopter that crashed with Seal Team Six.

I cried.

I got dressed and placed my "In remembrance" pin on my shirt.

I cried.

I walked into the chapel, I took my seat and I saw the "Battlefield Crosses" displayed on behalf of the three fallen fighters.

I cried.

My husband walked in and sat beside me, it was the first memorial he has ever attended with me.

I cried.

I read through the memorial program, reading about the lives of these three fallen men.

I cried.

I listened as they were eulogized by those who served with them, the closing remark of one young Soldier "I miss my friend" breaking my heart.

I cried.

The Chaplain quoted John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. We are all their friends.

I cried.

A slideshow being played showing pictures of these three vibrant men, with smiles that appeared immortal.

I cried.

They called their names, the response was silence.

I cried.

21 Gun Salute was fired.

I cried.

Taps echoed through the chapel.

I cried.

On the back of the program were these words:

"Don't Weep For Me" Don't weep for me O'land of the free, When it was my time to fall. 'Twas for my country's call, 'Twas for the land that I loved that I gave my all And for the land that I loved I did freely give. And in her freedom and her courage, I'll continue to live.

1LT Ivan Lechowich, SPC Steven Gutowski, and PFC David Drake...you are worth every tear that was shed today.

We will never forget.

Fallen Fort Leonard Wood Heroes

I will admit that I feel guilty in the delay in writing this entry because our heroes deserve better. On September 28, our brigade lost three Soldiers. It has hit our community hard. 1LT Ivan Lechowich, SPC Steven Gutowski and PFC David Drake were killed by an IED in Afghanistan. While I didn't personally know these three men, my heart aches for their families and those who cared for them. They are a part of my extended Military Family and I wish things could be different.
When I heard we had suffered a loss in this particular battalion, immediately my heart went heavy and I prayed it was not a unit that I have friends in. Then I felt extremely guilty for thinking that way because regardless of whether I know them or not, someone was suffering a great loss. It's so sad because all three men had served less than three years in the Army. PFC Drake less than a year total. Oh how my heart aches. The young LT had just watched the birth of his first child via skype only four days earlier. Every death is so hard to internalize but when you hear of stories like that, well it makes my heart ache so deeply.

God Bless these men and their families. May they know they are not in this journey alone, that we are there in prayer and in honor as we strive to carry their legacies forward. We won't forget.

PFC David Drake

1LT Ivan Lechowich

SPC Steven Gutowski

During that week, I also got word from a friend that one of our Soldiers from our beloved 8-10 Cavalry Family had passed away earlier this week. SFC Doug Jones served as our Rear D 1SG during Kevin's 2005-2006 deployment. He worked closely with us and was just a great man serving everyone around him. He was known to help families in need in so many ways. Helping them collect items such as household goods, food and clothing. He retired in 2009 and passed away on September 12, 2011. God Bless You SFC Jones...

Independence Day 2011

It's very interesting to see all the different 4th of July Facebook statuses. Many are copy and paste statuses, some are very simple. Some are very deep and profound, memorializing Fallen Friends, honoring their Spouses who are serving in harm's way and others recognizing the service of our Veterans. The diversity is amazing and a wonderful display of what this day means. Today we honor our independence and we do honor those who fight to protect it and honor it. It's interesting that there is a line of disconnect among some of my friends in the civilian sector for whom their statuses are dedicated to the BBQ's and beer drinking that will happen. While that may bother many, it doesn't bother me, it is yet another reminder of what freedom truly means.
A week ago, right before I left for Girls Camp I found out a Soldier that served with Kevin in one of our Fort Hood units had died as a result of injuries from an attack in Afghanistan. My heart broke for his family and all of the Soldiers who knew him and who would mourn him. It was a reminder that while we may journey forward, we never forget our families that we leave behind in other units.
Today, while I celebrate with friends and family this wonderful gift of freedom. I will honor all of our Fallen, all of our injured and all who continue to serve. I honor the families who sacrifice and I will remember SPC Nicholas Hensley (say his name, carry on his legacy and never forget the sacrifice he made for me and for you).

God Bless America and those who serve and sacrifice in the name of Freedom.

CBRN Sunrise Service

Yesterday morning Kevin and I attended a Sunrise Service in honor of our Fallen CBRN Heroes. (It is still Chemical Regimental Week.) Here at FLW we have a Memorial Grove that honors the fallen of the Engineers, Chemical & Military Police Corps. Each has their own section and yesterday we went to the Chemical area and paid tribute to the Fallen CBRN Soldiers. It was very touching. There were many in attendance, I really thought it was nice that they brought CBRN Soldiers who are still in training. I enjoyed being there with my husband, it definitely is a reminder that I have much to be grateful for.

I scanned the program and I ask my readers to please enlarge the images by clicking on them and reading the names of the fallen. Remember, it is up to us to Never Forget those who have sacrificed so much. We had a few of the Gold Star Families in attendance and that always touches my heart. The Burgess family was there and the younger brother who is currently here for training was there. To sacrifice so much and yet still be willing to give. It was a humbling sight.

It was a beautiful ceremony.

Fallen Hero: PFC Matthew England

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

Today I had the privilege to line up in the street to render honors to a Fallen Hero. Word went around yesterday that a Hero was going to be escorted through FLW and they were encouraging everybody who could to go out and line up along the route he would be traveling on. I knew instantly that I would be there. This morning the boys and I met up with others at the USO, gathered some flags and waited for the procession to start. Kevin was lined up somewhere else on post with the Soldiers in his unit.

Where we were along the route we had many companies of Soldiers who are currently in Basic Training and AIT. I was pretty emotional when they started lining up. Many of these Soldiers are only two years older than my oldest son. PFC Matthew England was only 22 years young.

Kevin & I are so proud of our boys who are always ready to do their part. Neil held the American Flag and even saluted with it when the hearse went by. Michael held the USO flag to show the support that our great FLW USO has for our Soldiers and their Families. Daniel held his little flag and stood so reverently. I get so choked up with emotion when I think about PFC England's mother, I cannot imagine the pain. I know how much I love my boys.

I feel truly humbled to have been able to stand in honor of PFC Matthew England. To stand among Soldiers, Veterans and other Military Family members. I am not ashamed of the tears that I shed today in honor of a hero.

I love our community and I love that so many came out to support PFC Matthew Joseph England. I hope his family felt the love through all of us who lined the streets.

I truly believe that we must honor our Fallen Heroes...we must say their names, read their stories and carry out their legacies. That is the LEAST we can do to honor their Sacrifice!
God Bless PFC Matthew England


Soldier from Ozark County dies in military service

Matthew England was scheduled to return home in August.

GAINESVILLE, Mo. -- Private First Class Matthew England, who graduated from Lutie High School in 2007, has died in an IED explosion in Iraq. England was the son of Pamela Hengen of the Gainesville area and Daniel England of Bartlett, Tennessee.

Joe and Pamela Hengen were looking forward to their son Matthew's return home this summer. The Hengens live between Gainesville and Theodosia. "He loved it out here in the woods. He was always out here. We had to go find him half the time," says Joe Hengen, Matthew's step-father.

But Matthew isn't coming home the way they had hoped. "Told her he was sending stuff home because his deployment's up in August," says Hengen.

They just learned Wednesday night that Matthew was killed in an IED explosion while on an escort mission in Iraq. "You never think it's going to happen to your kid," says Hengen.

Matthew was the kid that graduated from Lutie High School, was great with computers, and always wanted to fly. "Ever since I've known him, two years old, once he started talking, he wanted to be a pilot," Hengen says.

Never Forget - 5 Years

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since Bryant and Jose redeployed to Heaven. I'm not sure I have any real words this year. What I do know however is that a day does not go by that I don't think of these men or their families.
Yesterday I taught Care Team Training and it was hard not to wander back to that day. LaNita knows that I talk about our experience when I do the Care Team Training and normally I can leave most emotion out. While I didn't break down, I know that my mood was more somber than usual.
I made a promise to myself 5 years ago that I would do what I could to honor the legacy of these men and to never forget. Today I remember....everyday I remember and everyday I do my best to honor...

Bryant and Jose, today I remember....

Aching Heart

My mind has been going and going since yesterday when I got the news that another Soldier we know took their life over the weekend. I just can't make sense of it all. In September, another Soldier we knew took his life. They were both First Sergeant's in Kevin's previous battalion, both people I had worked with during Kevin's last deployment. I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with a friend talking it out, but we both hung up still wondering why and with an ache in each of our hearts.
Just the day before I was talking with someone I volunteer with about how we know that the Army (not disregarding the other branches, just happens we were talking about what we know...the Army) was working hard to try to get help for our Soldiers and their Families (suicide is not only real for our Troops but their Family members as well). More and more resources are available but there is still a disconnect in getting to them. We just have to get better about reaching our Soldiers and letting them know there is help.
But aside from wishing they could have found help, my heart cries for the pain they were in. I can't imagine the pain or whatever emotion they were feeling that they felt this was the only way to not feel it.
I wish I could convey what I'm feeling inside but to be honest I'm still trying to figure it out. I just wish we could reach our Soldiers before it's too late. I wish that we could have done more, reached out more, done something more...
God Bless You J.L and B.G and all our Troops who felt they had no other option...I'm sorry we let you down....

Freedom Friday, February 11, 2011

Last week I had the opportunity to meet an amazing woman. I want to dedicate this entry to Mary Tallouzi and her son SSG Daniel Tallouzi. Please take a few minutes and listen to this video and help us honor two heroes.

God Bless You Tallouzi family!

To Honor Them

In my previous entry I mentioned the loss of two Soldiers from one of my husband's former Squadron's. It has broken my heart. Any loss is tragic, when it hits so close to home it stings a little more. I did not know these two men, but I honor them and I pray for their families.
When the debate over whether pictures should be shown of the caskets arriving at Dover was going on I felt strongly that they should not be. Out of respect for the families it should be a private moment. As I talked to some of my friends who are Gold Star Wives/Families, there was mixed opinions, some said yes, some said no. Many said that America should see the sacrifice. Since then I have googled names of of the Fallen so I could read about them, to honor them, to give them the acknowledgment they deserve for the sacrifice. Many times in the google searches the images of their transfer ceremonies at Dover would come up. I found myself unable to look at the pictures.
When I learned the names of our two Fallen Heroes from 1/9 Cavalry, I searched on the internet for information about them. I wanted to know who they were and I wanted to at least honor them by reading about them. As I searched and read, the images of their Dover transfer ceremony came up and I couldn't not look. Suddenly I didn't feel like I was invading privacy, instead I felt it was the least I could do to look at the ceremony and honor them as those who are physically there do.
My husband has been on what is known as a ramp ceremony...where they load the bodies of the Fallen on the planes to head home. Their battle buddies go to honor them.
I will not be at their memorial or funerals but I can pause and look at the respect in which they were brought home and I can honor their sacrifice.
Welcome Home SGT Michael Bartley.
Welcome Home SPC Martin Lamar.
I can honor them in this small way.

We are Family....A Military Family

Last week I received a call from a good friend back at Fort Hood. She had read an article that morning that talked about two Soldiers being killed at the camp her husband is currently stationed at. There was no real information except a short story with no names and very little details. As you can imagine, a lot of panic and anticipatory grief was running rampant. If you've never been through a situation like this, it's hard to explain the many emotions that run through you in mere seconds.
Because the Army tries hard to respect the families of the fall and protect them, they immediately issue a commo blackout so no one can call out of the base to share information before the family has been notified. Because the story had been told with no information except what brigade it was, many people were worried, which is natural and to be expected.
Deployments are rough enough, waiting to see if it's going to be your doorbell that rings is even tougher. I felt helpless. I had been through two deployments with my friend and I am too far away to hug her, to look her in the eye and tell her things would be okay.
In my mind I tried to figure out hours and do the math and convincing myself that if it was her Soldier, she would know by now. I did something I tell others to never do and have never done, I told her I was sure that it wasn't her husband, that he was okay. After a few more minutes of talking, I hung up with her.
I went to my room and laid on my bed and begged the Lord not to let me be a liar. I was overwhelmed at that thought.
As the day progressed I found out that her husband was okay and that it was two Soldiers in the same Squadron but not the same unit. My heart still ached. Even though we have not been a part of that Squadron for over 5 years, they are still my family. Many people we care about are in that unit. Many of our memories are in that unit. We are still family. When they hurt, we hurt. We also found out there was one wounded Soldier from the same incident. He had been in the unit when we were there. We continue to pray for his recovery.
Many of us have left that unit, that brigade and even the installation, but when our family needs us, we unite. I felt such comfort knowing that my Military Family all over the world was praying and supporting my Army Family there at Hood.

The strength of a family, like the strength of an army, is in its loyalty to each other.

Wordless Wednesday, Humbled

Freedom Friday, September 3, 2010

This has been a rough week...over 22 Heroes were redeployed to Heaven. My heart has been heavy thinking of the families who's Blue Stars turned to Gold.

I know I have posted this before, but I feel it is important..

God Bless Our Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day 2010

I have thought about what I would write for Memorial Day 2010 all weekend. I wanted to try and put into words the feelings I have about this holiday weekend. What I've come to realize is that I'm not sure there are words that can truly convey the emotions that run deep in my soul.

I can't walk around wishing anyone a "Happy" Memorial Day. I cannot rejoice the feelings of pain and mourning that many that I know personally feel at such a time. When I think of Memorial Day, I reflect on the numerous Military Memorials that I attended for our Fallen Heroes. The men and women who's lives were cut too short for a greater cause. My heart starts to pound and I play through the sequence of the many memorial services I attended. I can close my eyes and go through each part, each moment and I can feel the tears start to form.

Final Roll Call, 21-Gun Salute and Taps, I can't even think about them, much less hear them without feeling the ache in my entire body.

And while the emotions I am writing about are very real to me, I cannot imagine the pain that the families of our Fallen feel, or even the pain that my husband and his fellow Soldiers felt each time they lost on of their own.

We carry the responsibility of making sure that no one who has sacrificed for our Freedom is not forgotten. We take the duty of carrying forward their legacy very seriously.

We ask on this Memorial Day that you remember those for whom this holiday was dedicated and acknowledge the sacrifices they made and honor them by saying their name, for they are not forgotten as long as we remember.

I wrote this next part last year and still find it fitting today...

THE BRACELET

Everyday I wear a bracelet. It's simple. Black. White letters.

It means a lot to me. There are others who wear the same bracelet. Everyone wears it for their own reasons. In Memory. Legacy. Honor. Camaraderie. Freedom.

5-25-09 is Memorial Day 2009.

The bracelet makes everyday Memorial Day.

I won't forget, I will remember.Please help us to always remember

For love of country they accepted death... ~James A. Garfield

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

The brave die never, though they sleep in dust:

Their courage nerves a thousand living men. ~Minot J. Savage

The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example. ~Benjamin Disraeli

The Patriot's blood is the seed of Freedom's tree. ~Thomas Campbell

"We come not to mourn our dead Soldiers, but to praise them" -Francis Walker

Memorial Day and Fort Hood Memorials

Fort Hood was a huge part of our lives. While it wasn't the first place that we dealt with loss during the current conflicts, it is where we experienced some of the most personal losses. Fort Hood is where I taught my kids a lot about what Memorial Day means and how it should be honored. Below is an article written by a friend who works for the newspaper at Hood about what Memorial Day and the memorials on Fort Hood mean to many.

I visited the 4th Infantry Memorial numerous times, I could never walk away without taking pictures.

Fort Hood’s memorials to the lives lost in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are much more than the stone, bronze and granite of which they are made.

As Fort Hood will join the nation in observing Memorial Day on Monday, the post’s monuments are seeing more visitors who leave flags, photographs and mementos.

On Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember and honor the sacrifices of veterans, memorials and cemeteries host ceremonies and an influx of visitors, but the post memorial monuments are permanent displays that are always open and available.

Click to continue reading

5,480

To date that is the number of Troops we have lost in Iraq & Afghanistan. Please remember as we go through the Memorial Day weekend of those 5,480 families who are missing their loved one.

In World War II we lost over 400,000, the contrast is amazing, the loss is just the same.

I dedicate this video to ALL of our losses, from our current campaigns to those from wars past.

Freedom Friday, May 28, 2010

Today begins for many, a 4 day weekend. I hope everyone stops for a moment and remembers what Memorial Day is all about.