THE FALLEN
On Memorial Day, the people of the United States honor those who died in all wars. On Veterans Day, we also remember all those who have served in the military. This is because our brave service men and women will never be forgotten and our history is passed on to the next generations.
Throughout the country, flags are placed down streets and on graves of those who had fought in wars for freedom. It is a solemn time for families who have lost loved ones. It is my prayer that our young people are being taught to honor those who gave so much for their country. We are gradually losing those people who fought and survived, as they grow older.
SHARON PLICHTA receives her BRONZE STAR
I would like to share with you a story that I wrote in my book, MEN and WOMEN OF VALOR IN THE BLUE RIDGE by N.W. Boyer.
My husband, a retired Navy Chaplain, and I heard of a man, who had an apple orchard and business in the Blue Ridge Mountains. His name was Myron C. Harold, better known as "M.C." He had served as a Staff Sergeant in the Korean War, but no one had ever asked him about his service. That was pretty shocking because his story is remarkable. We believed that these men and women from different wars, should have their stories told. We decided to interview M.C. and others who had served their country, from this area of Virginia. Each story was unique and heartwarming.
With tears in his eyes, M.C., in his senior years, told us that he almost lost his legs in Korea. He was fighting in terrible cold and his legs became frozen. He was taken to a military doctor, who told him his legs would have to come off.
The doctor continued to say, "I want to stand you up one last time, as best we can, before I put you to sleep and operate." He did so and M.C. said, "A terrible pain came into my legs and that was God's miracle to me."
The doctor told him, "We aren't going to remove these legs, you just got back your blood flow!"
M.C. Harold eventually went to stay at a Veteran's hospital. We visited him before he passed away. However, we were told that M.C. would happily show his story in the book to the nurses, doctors and visitors. He had finally gotten the recognition that he deserved. It was wonderful to know he died knowing how much his military service was appreciated.
Others in the book served in different wars and one nurse described her service working in the operating room under enemy fire in Vietnam. A red cross was painted on the top of their building, but it was ignored.
Sharon Plichta said, "God got me through it. The wounded men were so happy to see an American. I experienced a kind of peace and was able to work under the most difficult of circumstances" Sharon received the Bronze Star.
Both of these people are now passed on to their eternal glory.
We must make Memorial and Veterans Days special to the next generations. Talk to the young people in your family. They must not forget. Various organizations and churches are looking into forming special Veterans groups.
If you see someone wearing a hat, showing the specific service where they served, make a point to speak to them and thank them. Another thing that you may think of doing is privately telling the waitress or waiter, " Give me their check, but don't tell them who." It will mean the world to them that someone appreciated their service to our country. It may also be a good thing for those who also keep us safe, like the police, fire fighters and others. Generosity, kindness and a love of our country are all part of being a grateful American.
Below is the Hymn to the Fallen by John Williams. This music was composed for the movie, "Saving Private Ryan". If a teenager or someone in your family has not seen it, perhaps they should.
If you are a veteran reading this, "THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU."
Turn up your sound