A Heartfelt Memorial For All Comrads
A Heartfelt Memorial For All ComradesI stand in awe of the American soldier. Awe of those who have served and fallen. And my heart feels for those who still struggle with memories of the horror. I grew up a proud Vet’s daughter. My father fought in WWII. He served under George Patton, fighting many battles throughout Europe. But the worst one was the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium. And though I am the youngest daughter of seven children, I bear the symbolic name of war.
My father named me Valerie Faith. My name means strong faith, which is a requirement of sanity for those who have seen the worst evils of human nature. My initials are also VFW. I grew up as the VFW flower girl, placing wreaths on the graves of the Fallen and throwing wreaths on the water for those who were Lost At Sea. As little as I was, I would go into solitude after the memorial and cry for the soldiers who were not present.
When I was a child, living soldiers were honored with parades. And flowers were given to those who had fallen. Today there are few parades and if there is one, few people stand up and clap in respect for the Vets as they walk by. For me, each Memorial Day is an honorable memory. I remember the dedications, uniforms, metals, guns and salutes. The beautiful treasures of my past. I feel so honored to have been a part of that.
When I lived in the Netherlands, I traveled to Germany, France, Belgium and Luxemburg, visiting the various battle sites of my father. As I stood in the Arden, I could hear the cries and feel the dying, the desperate, the grieving and the shocked, knowing that blood saturated the ground and cries filled the air. The spirit of war was still alive.
That same spirit remained alive in my father, he could not forget. Until his death, he grieved for his comrades who fought and died beside him. He cried for his brothers who gave their lives, so he could live. Now generations later, I can not forget standing by his grave, the taps playing softly on the hillside as the veterans saluted their fallen comrade.
Let us always remember, praise and honor the brave men and women who have served and died for this country.
Comments (9)
Thanks for sharing your story. We all have different perspectives on the aftermath of struggles in the world. I enjoyed learning about yours.
Thanks for the amazing blog, and yes i am from holland, lived there for 18 years.
I have never really thought about what happened much but my grandmother, who is currently 91, she has been thru this war and has told me many stories of what has happened.
I simply don't know many American people or much about America but if it wasn't for this amazing country, America, and the soldiers who served, then i am not sure if i would have been able to sit here and type this.
So a big thanks to all people that served and who libirated europe.........
Jarno
I marvel everyday of the bravery of war veterans. Some people don't think of them enough. War certainly affected my family so I make sure I pay my respects. In Canada, Remembrance Day ceremonies seem to be drawing bigger crowds each year and a lot of younger people are attending. At least especially where I live. So it's nice to see.
There are great stories of sacrifice, survival and heroism of the Canadian soldiers that I'm so proud of.
For all those involved in the war, what bravery they had going in, knowing it might be their final day.
@onlyguy I hope to make that trip to France some day!
If you two ever read this...I love you, Guys.
You've disappeared