Taps
I had the sad occasion to attend my first memorial service in country today. I listened as the young man’s comrades and leaders each took a turn at the podium to tell us a little something about the fallen Soldier and I stared at his picture leaning against an M4, bayonet stuck into an altar behind a pair of desert combat boots and adorned with an army combat helmet. His dog tags dangled from the pistol grip, jingling in the wind. I felt an overwhelming feeling of grief swell inside my heart when two Soldiers began singing a very moving rendition of Amazing Grace.
Then the company first sergeant called the roll. When he got to the name of the fallen, he called out three times, “Specialist Brown!” each with no response. After the third silent moment, off in the distance riflemen fired a salute and a lone bugler played Taps.
America lost another son and though his death was not combat related, he was serving his nation, fighting our fights in a far away land when he passed. I’m not sure how many more heroes we have across our great country, but I’m damn glad we have the ones we do. I’ll see you on Fiddler’s Green Specialist Brown. Sgt Hook out.
Halfway down the road to hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler’s Green.
-Author Unknown
Posted by Hook @ 1440 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: Fiddler's Green & Heroes
