Posted on May 25, 2014
3 Things Veterans Think About On Memorial Day
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For those of us who have worn the military uniform, Memorial Day reminds us of the things we’ve fought for, those we’ve lost, and the impact our efforts may have had on the people we meant to serve, and the missions we meant to complete.
Memorial Day is a holiday that should be appreciated by everyone, but I don’t fault those who don’t pay the day’s significance the attention it deserves. This is because Memorial Day is only truly felt by the military community; our emotions are authentic and personal, and are difficult to sufficiently explain to someone outside the military space. It’s just not possible for them to relive experiences they’ve never had or reflect on things their eyes have never seen. As veterans, we can’t fault them for that.
I spent 5 years in the Army and just turned 30 in February. Millions before me served longer than I did, and all of us have our own private set of good and bad memories from the service. I served 15 months in Iraq, came home, left the Army in 2011, went to school, and now spend my days as a civilian.
Along the way, I’ve kept in touch with old military friends and made new ones. We don’t discuss the military as much as you might think. But as a day like Memorial Day approaches, I’ve come to realize that despite our diverse military experiences, our hearts and minds spend time reflecting on three themes, which I’ll touch on below.
First, as I sit quietly, a flood of memories -- even the smallest ones -- somehow begin to resurface en masse: the day I commissioned into the Army, my first patrol in Iraq, training exercises, epic pranks my Soldiers played on me, and then others I’d like to forget.
In the 3 years since I left the military, I’ve been unable to sufficiently ‘translate’ the personal meaning of these experiences for non-veterans. But I believe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Those who also served will understand my stories well, yet in their own way -- through the lens of their own military experiences. This is why we can connect so well with one another. This is also why veterans don’t talk about it very much outside of our own circles.
Second, I think about my old military friends and how they’ve been doing since we got back from Iraq. I was fortunate to serve alongside incredible people. I wonder what they’re doing now -- how are they holding up? Are they dads (or moms) now? Do they ever think about our time in Iraq? On Memorial Day I wonder where life has taken all of them, and wish them well.
Third, I wonder whether the things we all did in Iraq are going to achieve what our superiors hoped they would. Thousands of service members laid down their lives in the name of completing some mission on some day, in some village half a world away -- for local families whose names they probably never knew. If America’s long-term vision for Iraq (and Afghanistan) is not achieved in the coming years, then will these heroes’ sacrifices still be meaningful for the locals whose lives they touched? Will they be forgotten?
So as I reflect this Memorial Day, I wish all veterans and their families well. Especially those who are wearing the military uniform right now. As for those who I served with and lost touch with, my heart hopes they’ve found their way forward regardless of the path they have chosen. I hope on the 26th, their families and friends will give them an extra long hug, an extra long phone call, and an extra firm handshake of thanks.
Memorial Day is a holiday that should be appreciated by everyone, but I don’t fault those who don’t pay the day’s significance the attention it deserves. This is because Memorial Day is only truly felt by the military community; our emotions are authentic and personal, and are difficult to sufficiently explain to someone outside the military space. It’s just not possible for them to relive experiences they’ve never had or reflect on things their eyes have never seen. As veterans, we can’t fault them for that.
I spent 5 years in the Army and just turned 30 in February. Millions before me served longer than I did, and all of us have our own private set of good and bad memories from the service. I served 15 months in Iraq, came home, left the Army in 2011, went to school, and now spend my days as a civilian.
Along the way, I’ve kept in touch with old military friends and made new ones. We don’t discuss the military as much as you might think. But as a day like Memorial Day approaches, I’ve come to realize that despite our diverse military experiences, our hearts and minds spend time reflecting on three themes, which I’ll touch on below.
First, as I sit quietly, a flood of memories -- even the smallest ones -- somehow begin to resurface en masse: the day I commissioned into the Army, my first patrol in Iraq, training exercises, epic pranks my Soldiers played on me, and then others I’d like to forget.
In the 3 years since I left the military, I’ve been unable to sufficiently ‘translate’ the personal meaning of these experiences for non-veterans. But I believe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Those who also served will understand my stories well, yet in their own way -- through the lens of their own military experiences. This is why we can connect so well with one another. This is also why veterans don’t talk about it very much outside of our own circles.
Second, I think about my old military friends and how they’ve been doing since we got back from Iraq. I was fortunate to serve alongside incredible people. I wonder what they’re doing now -- how are they holding up? Are they dads (or moms) now? Do they ever think about our time in Iraq? On Memorial Day I wonder where life has taken all of them, and wish them well.
Third, I wonder whether the things we all did in Iraq are going to achieve what our superiors hoped they would. Thousands of service members laid down their lives in the name of completing some mission on some day, in some village half a world away -- for local families whose names they probably never knew. If America’s long-term vision for Iraq (and Afghanistan) is not achieved in the coming years, then will these heroes’ sacrifices still be meaningful for the locals whose lives they touched? Will they be forgotten?
So as I reflect this Memorial Day, I wish all veterans and their families well. Especially those who are wearing the military uniform right now. As for those who I served with and lost touch with, my heart hopes they’ve found their way forward regardless of the path they have chosen. I hope on the 26th, their families and friends will give them an extra long hug, an extra long phone call, and an extra firm handshake of thanks.
Memorial Day
Remembrance
Honor
Command Post
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 57
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One of the most meaningful points in time was when another vet extended his hand to me and told me welcome home. I have just hooked up with an old buddy-the cathartic feeling of having my team back, along with another vet who was 5th Group in VN, gives us the sense of team and family none of us has had since we left the military-for me close to 40 years. It is a treasure for us all.
You are absolutely correct-there is no way to explain what happens in the military - on so many levels. I gave up-it just made me frustrated and the others looking at me like I was nuts. And sometimes I am, but that is another story.
I wish you all well this weekend. I have learned to use my time to help other veterans and their families - to take care of them for those we left behind. That has become my mission and spiritual calling. I leave religion out of it.
You are absolutely correct-there is no way to explain what happens in the military - on so many levels. I gave up-it just made me frustrated and the others looking at me like I was nuts. And sometimes I am, but that is another story.
I wish you all well this weekend. I have learned to use my time to help other veterans and their families - to take care of them for those we left behind. That has become my mission and spiritual calling. I leave religion out of it.
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I will spend Memorial Day at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. As I touch The Wall I will talk to my comrades-in-arms and validate those promises we made to each other.
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I found this picture, and it seems to fit really well here. Hope you don't mind me sharing it.
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SPC Robert Walo
Memorial Day is not only about vets and military. It is about everyone that gave their lives for the concept of freedom. Our Republic has fallen on a hard time but remembering those that felt freedom was more important than their own lives reminds us that all is not lost, just postponed for others to take up the vigilant guard.
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Aaron - What a great tribute and honor to all those no longer with us. Missing my recently passed Father and USAF patriot on this day, I can still remember the morning when he received your 2013 'Veterans Day Call'. You explained to him that it was customary in the Army to call one veteran that was the most inspirational influence on their life that year. Having beaten cancer yourself, your call and your story inspired my Dad to push on in the coming months and face some very difficult treatments with strength and honor. I'll always be grateful for this and I wish the best Memorial Day to you and our military family here. In my father's words, "Keep your airspeed up Aaron." Thank you & God Bless.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
Thanks for the kind words, brother. I am honored to have gotten to know your dad. God broke the mold after He made him.
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Well said, and thank you for creating Rally Point. In some ways, having a place where we can 'commune' with each other is like a really large group therapy!
I can't begin to tell you the times I have been outraged by someone casually saying some comment in passing, leaving me staring after them, forming up all sorts of come-back lines that I WISH I'd thought of earlier, thinking that 'no one will ever understand why we do what we do, or why we choose to be what we are,' and then I find a note in my in-box saying someone commented or voted up on a comment... someone who KNOWS, and I have this mental sigh of relief, remembering that there ARE people who know, and there they are.
Sometimes, I think, for women veterans its harder, because we are the ones who are supposed to be gentle and motherly... things that just don't go with uniformns and rifle range scores. I've had potential employers tell me, "Well, I don't think you will be a good fit here... we're looking for someone more... in keeping with our views..." as if, because I can actually hit something I aim at with a weapon, or rattle off the General Orders, I'd be less of an employee, and I digress... sorry!
What I mean, is that I thank you for giving us a place to remember that we aren't weird or different, and we still fit in somewhere.
I can't begin to tell you the times I have been outraged by someone casually saying some comment in passing, leaving me staring after them, forming up all sorts of come-back lines that I WISH I'd thought of earlier, thinking that 'no one will ever understand why we do what we do, or why we choose to be what we are,' and then I find a note in my in-box saying someone commented or voted up on a comment... someone who KNOWS, and I have this mental sigh of relief, remembering that there ARE people who know, and there they are.
Sometimes, I think, for women veterans its harder, because we are the ones who are supposed to be gentle and motherly... things that just don't go with uniformns and rifle range scores. I've had potential employers tell me, "Well, I don't think you will be a good fit here... we're looking for someone more... in keeping with our views..." as if, because I can actually hit something I aim at with a weapon, or rattle off the General Orders, I'd be less of an employee, and I digress... sorry!
What I mean, is that I thank you for giving us a place to remember that we aren't weird or different, and we still fit in somewhere.
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Many of you may see many posts just like this; however, it is necessary as much of America has forgotten its core and as a result has lost or lacks focus in the "Big Picture". Memorial Day is much more than a Three-Day Weekend and a Cookout, much more. Much more that communities that sponsor parades and speeches, much more. Some of those parades and other gatherings might even take place or pause on or near local Memorials. That is where we, as people and members of communities get nearer to the actual essence of this Day, Memorial Day (Decoration Day). Honoring and remembering those that died on domestic or foreign battlefields to preserve our rights and way of life as individuals and as the American People. Those whose branch of family lineage ceased to extend forward in time to preserve something near and dear to them. Remember our honored fallen. Those that have served and fought in our conflicts and tasted the tinged sweat and blood of their efforts, smelled those smells of cordite, blood, death, etc.., and experienced near death encounters know the agony of why them and not me?! Those that know do know that we fight for one another. The ideal is God, Duty, Honor, Country, Mom and Apple Pie, etc.... Grandiose yes; however myopic. We fight protecting one another so that one has a better chance of returning home to their particular loved ones. Some, unfortunately succumb to their aims and missions, to protect what they Love! Remember our Fallen! I and many others do this day and everyday. Remember those no longer here, Our Honored Fallen!!! PFC Charlie Walker, SSG Ed Kutz, SSG Ken Gentry (all 4-7 Cav, 3AD, DS/DS), CSM Eric F. Cooke (1st Bde, 1AD, OIF I), and countless others. I'll see you at Fiddler's Green!
Should someone consider a post, post not a thanks. Post about our Honored Fallen!!! (Retired member of the less than 1%)
I think of many things everyday, today, though, it will be centered on those sitting around the numerous campfires at Fiddler's Green sipping on their canteens!!! Garry Owen Brothers and Sisters, Seventh First!
Guy Richard Niles, CSM(R), United States Cavalry
Should someone consider a post, post not a thanks. Post about our Honored Fallen!!! (Retired member of the less than 1%)
I think of many things everyday, today, though, it will be centered on those sitting around the numerous campfires at Fiddler's Green sipping on their canteens!!! Garry Owen Brothers and Sisters, Seventh First!
Guy Richard Niles, CSM(R), United States Cavalry
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Sir - only FIVE years? C'mon! I was just getting broken in by then! Only kidding. I likely speak for many when I express my thanks for you putting up Rally Point. It really does scratch the itch.
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Sir, nicely worded. I have spent all of my adult life in one uniform or another, that is 30 years this month, and I can say that our families, especially our immediate families are in our community, as are those who are also sworn to protect our communities. I have carried a civilian badge for 19 of those 30 years, and my friends in the First Responder, Fire and LE community feel this day as well as those of us who are military veterans. Someone else also posted about our survivors. They feel this day as significantly as do those of us who have shared the experiences in combat.
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CPT Aaron Kletzing
Thanks for your genuine words, SSG Sheldon. You are spot on. PS -- I was in the same unit as you. I see you're in the Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalion. I was assigned there (remotely) as a medical patient, and then became the Battalion S-4 of the unit when I healed up. Hope all is well with the unit. It's a special mission and a hard one, for sure. Would enjoy chatting with you sometime.
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CPT K:
Great writing and I feel the same as you so eloquently wrote it. I think of my battle buddy each and everyday I breathe and no one can ever understand our bond. I served for 28 years and God has blessed me to continue serving by placing me as a Senior Army Instructor teaching Army JROTC in South FL. Being blessed to shepherd the souls of young students each and every day is so remarkable. May God bless you and your family and for all those men and women who have served our great nation and especially for the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, hooah!
Very Respectfully,
LTC (USA, Ret) Ken Spielvogel
Great writing and I feel the same as you so eloquently wrote it. I think of my battle buddy each and everyday I breathe and no one can ever understand our bond. I served for 28 years and God has blessed me to continue serving by placing me as a Senior Army Instructor teaching Army JROTC in South FL. Being blessed to shepherd the souls of young students each and every day is so remarkable. May God bless you and your family and for all those men and women who have served our great nation and especially for the families of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, hooah!
Very Respectfully,
LTC (USA, Ret) Ken Spielvogel
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Lt Col Jim Bemis
While I try not tp be maudlin about it, I think of airmen I knew who lost their lives, then the gold star families, and the ones who came home different, or wounded, visibly or invisibly. I think of the veterans before me that are now gone, like my father and my uncle. I recognize the lengthy history of military service in my family long past, going back to the Revolution, and even the Norman Conquest. Yes, I remember some of the good times, or funny stories, even some of the sardonic and dark humor that got us through each new Groundhog's day in deployment.
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Before serving I never understood what Memorial Day was, In school I was led to believe it was for our founding fathers to show respect for what they dreamt and built. My Dad being a Vietnam veteran tried to explained it to me but it didn't really make sense until after I joined, really not til after the first soldier lost did I truly understand. Every Memorial Day is now spent remembering each solider I knew for the laughter, and the good times we had prior to their deaths. It isn't a picnic or grand party it is spent to remember those who didn't get that hug and welcome home when they stepped off the plane.
RIP Our Fallen Soldiers you are Gone but Never Forgotten.
I was a civilian, trying to explain this to someone who really does not get I will always just see this day as a free day off from work.
RIP Our Fallen Soldiers you are Gone but Never Forgotten.
I was a civilian, trying to explain this to someone who really does not get I will always just see this day as a free day off from work.
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