Soldiers Don't Cry

(this was not the actual display, I didn't have a camera)


                 Today I attended a memorial service for three soldiers recently killed from our FOB.  They were not our unit nor did I know them but they were US soldiers, killed while serving to keep our country free and to help free another country.  We got into a formation, arranged to fit into an open area between buildings at 4:15.  Three helmets hung on upturned rifles with the US flag and their unit flag hanging behind.  Photos of each soldier rested beneath each rifle and helmet. 

The ceremony started with the national anthem.  We saluted the flag as it blew in the chilly wind.  I have felt patriotic, devoted, and proud many times in my life; however during that playing of the anthem, a deeper meaning grew in my heart.  A prayer followed by several speakers made up the main portion of the ceremony.  A general, a lieutenant colonel, a captain (the company commander of the soldiers killed) and a specialist (a friend of the soldiers killed).  Each gave a few remarks about the situation, the soldiers and their sacrifice.  The general spoke of being prepared, mentally, physically and spiritually for everyday.  “Live life to the fullest and be prepared”.  Finally a chaplain gave remarks on hope and faith and moving forward.  The sun seemed to hang on the horizon, giving the sky an orange glow as each person spoke, not willing to let the day go.

My emotions at this point were very near the surface.  The command to “present arms” was given.  Again we saluted.  Taps sounded very slowly and the sun finally sank as if giving up and finally giving rest to our fallen comrades.  The bark of rifles startled me as they gave salute to the soldiers we honored. One, two, three shots fired by a group of soldiers.  Finally taps ended and the order given, “Order arms” as we dropped our arms briskly to our sides.  A tear rolled down my cheek.

“This concludes the memorial ceremony.  Those who wish to remain may give their final respects.  Members of the 444^th Engineer Company will go first followed by brothers in arms and then anyone else.”  Since I had no personal connection to the fallen I had stood in the back of the formation.  Two by two, soldiers marched forward to pay their respects.  By this time the light had faded and two flashlights were placed at the base of the helmets and rifles stand casting an eerie glow onto the helmets.  Row after row of soldiers came forward.  Those who knew the soldiers we honored fell to their knees, overcome with grief then stood and slowly with quiet determination raised their arms and saluted the fallen one last time. 

As I stood in the cold waiting my turn, my thoughts could not help turn to the families of the soldiers.  My emotions again surfaced and I fought back tears, soldiers don’t cry.  Even though I did not know these fallen heroes, I wanted to have my own turn in marching forward, doing a crisp right face and slowly saluting them to honor their dedication, service, and selfless sacrifice to the cause of freedom.