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Tonight's picture was taken in May of 2006. Mattie was four years old, and that weekend, we transitioned Mattie from his crib/daybed to a real twin bed. This was a monumental event for Mattie and he was so excited to have picked out his Bob the Builder bed sheets! This bed frame was handmade by Mattie's great grandfather. These frames saw three generations of children: Mattie's paternal grandmother, Mattie's dad, and then of course Mattie. Look at that smile! He was so happy, as Mattie deemed himself a BIG BOY!
Quote of the day: It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived. ~ George S. Patton
A Memorial Day tradition for me and my husband was watching the National Memorial Day Concert on the Washington Capitol. Given that we used to live blocks from where this concert took place, it had even more significance for us. Now, I carry the tradition on alone. Last night I watched the Concert with my parents, and they loved it. The tributes were so beautiful and I appreciated hearing the stories of those who served or lost their lives. When I absorb the enormous sacrifices made by all these brave men and women, it makes me pause. I admire anyone who can commit to something greater than themselves. People who have convictions, principles, and a higher calling to ensure freedom and safety to our Nation and to those around the world. Even though I am very absorbed in my own day to day existence and heartbreak, I have not and will not lose sight of Memorial Day.
Many of the featured stories last night touched my heart. If you did not see the concert, I want to introduce you to Colonel Otis Evans, an army pilot during the Vietnam War. Colonel Evans was part of the Army medevac crew, known by their radio call sign "Dustoff." They got this nickname because when the rotors of helicopters came close to the ground they would kick up dust. Dustoff flew nearly half a million missions, rescuing over 900,000 wounded under the most dangerous conditions. Dustoff pilots flew 24/7 and when they landed to pick up the wounded, they only were on the ground 15 minutes. Most likely for the helicopter's safety and for the timeliness of getting the injured to an Army hospital. Dustoff's motto is: “When I have your wounded.” Meaning that their job is NOT done, until all wounded are retrieved.
I can not imagine the conditions these pilots worked under or the intense stress of knowing that at any moment, they too could lose their own lives during a rescue operation. Yet that did not stop them, they were focused, determined, and unstoppable. When we think of wars, we think of the actual fighting. But these Dustoffs were there to save lives, and understood that behind each soldier stood a family, who wanted to see their loved one return home. Therefore, these rescue missions were vital to achieving that goal. Colonel Otis' story touched my heart and when I should feel down or incapable of making it through a given day, I will reflect on his bravery and that of all the members of our armed forces who sacrifice their own lives for our existence.
Other PBS Featured Stories! Check them out, they are a beautiful Memorial Day tributes, and to see the lives of wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, children, and siblings impacted by the death of a loved one, naturally hits close to home for me. Certainly the circumstances around their losses vary greatly from mine, yet, grief and loss are the great human unifiers. May the lives of those who served never be forgotten, as these losses must serve a purpose.
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