This past weekend was dedicated to remembering those who have given their lives in sacrifice to our country.
I have a tough time with Memorial Day. As a Marine serving in Iraq, I always felt tremendously unworthy to even attend the many services we held there for fallen Marines and Sailors. When I returned I felt deeply moved and humbled when visiting our wounded in Walter Reed Memorial Hospital. Even now I find I am reluctant to revisit some of those memories; to think too long about the makeshift helmet, rifle and boots forming a battle cross for a fallen Marine.
Those Heroes that died lived a life poised to sacrifice. They volunteered to serve because they were needed. They were not drawn to danger; They were drawn to service. They were awesome neighbors, best friends and the type of people you could count on – even to give up their own lives in order to save someone else’s.
If you believe as I do, in a life after death – a life eternal, perhaps you, too, look forward to the day when we can truly thank those brave heroes, face-to-face, on a far-off Heavenly shore.
Thank you also to the families of those who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Our nation is forever grateful for your sacrifice, too.
Eric Smith, President
Indian River Networks