This Memorial Day I will not remember.

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Fri, 22 May 2015 08:50:26 -0400

This Memorial Day I will not remember. The definition of “remember” includes “to recall to the mind with effort; think of again” and “to have something arise in one’s memory; become aware of something suddenly or spontaneously”. The words “remember” or “remembrance” are less than appropriate for use when describing Memorial Day. Those that have paid the ultimate price, the Soldiers that I have served with, are continuously on my mind. Thoughts of them do not need to be “recalled” and “effort” is not needed. Let’s take time to be thankful and appreciative; put some extra time into honoring the fallen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 9:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:04:07 -0400

That's a great point, remembering does involve having to think about things. When my wife asks me if I remember, for the most part, the ole TBI stops a lot of it, and I cannot remember but sometimes it doesn't. When I am not expecting it though, my thoughts will catch me by surprise and I will think about my lost brothers. I will remember out of nowhere the feelings that I had when I heard that they were suddenly not there anymore. I will remember how I was sitting on the range on another island and got the message that my Soldier that was on Oahu I talked to a couple days before was suddenly gone and I will remember the hole that I felt. The numb feeling, then how I felt going through the rest of that gunnery. When I am on Staff Duty I always look at his Dog Tags and hold them in my hands for a minute and pay a moment to him. Then there are the ones over the years that left too soon.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 22 at 2015 9:16 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:16:10 -0400

Great point!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2015 9:38 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 May 2015 09:38:57 -0400

I miss men that I barely knew, yet was there to see them lay down their lives to honor their committment to the nation.
Time does not make it easier.
Current events make me question why they had to leave their families forever - promises of what they'd do together when they got home unkept.

For me, it is personal.
I'm in Vicksburg this weekend to visit two gravesites, just two in a small sea of markers just like all the rest. Last time I was here on Memorial Day I was not alone; there were others there doing small rituals. Some in uniform, some in black, some with small children there to visit daddy.
I will just share a little Wild Turkey with SSG Nicols and a Bottle of Duvel with PFC Letourneau.
Rest in Peace, men. I'll take it from here.

Response by SGT Terry Ryan made May 22 at 2015 10:17 AM

SGT Terry Ryan — Fri, 22 May 2015 10:17:49 -0400

Amen.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made May 22 at 2015 11:58 AM

Capt Mark Strobl — Fri, 22 May 2015 11:58:29 -0400

Great perspective MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM. Let me offer my own: When I am able to start "remembering," I have come to peace with myself. That takes time.

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made May 22 at 2015 1:10 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Fri, 22 May 2015 13:10:45 -0400

The only way that I wish to remember the fallen is finding the nearest Democrat and shooting it in the face... the law, however, stopped allowing for duels long ago. Pity, that; it would allow me to honor my Vietnam veteran father as well. He died of Agent Orange related cancer a year after I graduated high school. They have their family traditions, we have ours. We fight to win our nation's wars and they fight to lose them.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2015 10:54 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 22 May 2015 22:54:58 -0400

I am humble in the face of hundreds of thousands who went into battle, knowing their maker was hovering to receive some of them. They were too young, but they were still taken, and hearts across the nation were broken.

Response by CPL Jay Freeman made May 23 at 2015 2:54 AM

CPL Jay Freeman — Sat, 23 May 2015 02:54:38 -0400

I will honor Jeffrey Shaffer I.E.D my truck was cut from the convoy at the last minute his truck took my spot as last truck and he was in my spot as a gunner. Last words where I'll see you at the gym.

Response by SGT Toby Vado made May 23 at 2015 3:02 AM

SGT Toby Vado — Sat, 23 May 2015 03:02:14 -0400

Although in Desert Storm we didn't lose anyone to the enemy in my unit my best friend was medevacced out due to having a migraine seizure and I felt so alone. I don't know your pain personally but I feel your sentiment and I can somewhat sympathize.

Response by SGT Kevin McCourt made May 23 at 2015 5:59 AM

SGT Kevin McCourt — Sat, 23 May 2015 05:59:48 -0400

I too feel the same way. Everyday, some days more than others. I go through my bit of survivor's guilt. SGT Ortiz, SGT Brilinski - A couple of cool guys from my PLT, KIA Feb. 27, 1991. A niece of SGT Ortiz reached out to me a few years ago. She was pretty young and didn't know much about her uncle. It's hard telling someone how great a guy he was. These two guys refreshed a lot of us on our crew served weapons. It's good that the families get a day to pay their respects.

Response by SPC Edward R made May 25 at 2015 10:42 PM

SPC Edward R — Mon, 25 May 2015 22:42:45 -0400

I have to remember,that so many good men and women have given the ultimate sacrifice ,sometimes I feel as if my service is not the same,because I did not experience combat,but I know during my service ,had it happened I would have been ready to back my fellow soldiers,RIP to all those who gave all ?and those Brothers and sisters still in the battle,God protect you all.

Response by PO3 David Fries made May 26 at 2015 6:05 AM

PO3 David Fries — Tue, 26 May 2015 06:05:51 -0400

Well stated.

Response by SFC Matt Isenbart made May 30 at 2016 8:10 AM

SFC Matt Isenbart — Mon, 30 May 2016 08:10:56 -0400

I like your take on it. It really doesn't take a special day to keep our comrades in arms in our minds.

Response by Maj B Berlin made May 31 at 2016 12:28 AM

Maj B Berlin — Tue, 31 May 2016 00:28:03 -0400

Powerful words, indeed. Thank for your service... even more so, for your heart.