MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

It's Memorial Day weekend here in the States. I am not very good at directly expressing things I feel, especially about such a vast area as that which Memorial Day represents. I have been struggling with a terrible sense of loneliness and sadness these past few days. I know not why. So I find myself writing, also not sure why. Forgive the fact that this will likely be disjointed and erratic.

For me, this day first affects me as most anyone else in remembrance of all who have served, and those Brothers and Sisters who have given the greatest sacrifice of all. Personal recollections and memories tend to happen on or around the anniversary dates each event took place. So, I am more in the state of mind of a civilian than as a Marine as this day begins. It's always been that way for me. I consider myself lucky to be able to experience things with a sense of being a grateful man, and not have my own history dominate my feelings. I am freed to first reflect upon the service of all others. It's overwhelming, thinking of the tremendous amount of service and sacrifice this world has required on behalf of all who enjoy Freedom, and the Honor, Dignity, Gallantry and Dedication of those who responded and continue to. A day such a Memorial Day affords me the opportunity to appreciate what has been done for me.

Of course, it's not possible to completely separate myself from my history in The Corps, and in combat. But for this day, that history seems to stand more as an extra sense of knowledge of how much so many good men and women have done. And I am also glad that I can use my own experience to remember those who are from the other Nations, who served and fought themselves and also along with others, including Americans like me, for Freedom and Peace. In that regard, I guess this site would be a good place to thank those with ANZAC for their service. You are a part of my soul, as you have been everyday since Viet Nam.

I think of my friends with whom I served. Many are gone. One is too many, and there are far too many more than one. The Military Order of the Purple Heart has a line which reads, "All Gave Some, Some Gave All." That says it for me. Words do not exist for the feelings I have about loss such as this. I can take solace only in the fact that there are friends still with me. The pain is shared among us. That's all I have to say about that.

Respect to you all, my Military Service Brothers and Sisters, those who are family to us, and those who have given your support not just today, but everyday.

Be well, all.
Tim

©Copyright May 29, 2005 by Tim Bone