Sacrifice

I'm embarrassed to say that it's been years since I was attended a Memorial Day service.  Since I live away from family and no picnics, get-together's or out-of-town trips are planned; I decided to attend the local ceremony in McAllen.  McAllen has created an awesome memorial park next to the convention center.

This is just a small portion of the site.  USA flags encircle the memorial and they were flying fully.  Sometimes it was difficult to hear the speaker's words as the flags snapping in the wind created an overwhelming sound.  It was almost as if the flags were punctuating the air with their authority and importance. 

In the center of the memorial is the American Spire of Honor, quite impressive.

 

The keynote Speaker gave a tribute to a Korean War POW that died in 1950 during his capture.  His brother was there to receive the awards.

 

The memorial site is almost under the incoming plane path for the local airport so it was fitting that an American Airlines plane was landing during the ceremony and I captured this shot.

 

 



The singing of "American Soldier," 21 guns salute and Taps bugle playing were awe-inspiring and brought tears to my eyes.

 

 

 

 We Do Remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives by fighting the enemies of the United States.    All gave some and some gave all.  The Vietnam War tore this country apart.  The veterans returning were greeted with jeers, not cheers.  We did not honor those men who came back with limbs missing and/or with hearts and minds broken and torn apart.  Thankfully, today due to social media, I think we are much more aware of the many sacrifices that many veterans have given.  Many of these veterans are at the forefront of fighting our government and our society for benefits to the soldiers returning from the war fronts of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their comrades from Vietnam War.  Thank God!

 

As we were leaving the grounds, I noticed two gentlemen sitting on a bench talking and I asked if I could take their photo.

 

 

 

 

 

We struck up a conversation with them and found out they were classmates (1957) from the local, Pharr (PSJA) high school.  They both served over thirty years in the Army - National Guard and Army Reserves.  What an honor it was to meet them.