Memorial Day
Tears filled my eyes this morning when I watched the few seconds of news coverage given to Rolling Thunder.
For those of you not familiar with Rolling Thunder, let me explain. Every year for the last 21 years (including this year), thousands of motorcyclists from all over the country including Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada, descend upon Washington, D.C. to bring awareness of our POWs and MIAs left behind in war.
My tears began to fall as I remembered proudly riding my bike alongside my husband, 19 years ago, as we made the 600 mile ride to D.C., joining up with other groups along the way. Vehicles pulled onto the shoulder of the road to make way for the 400 plus pack of bikers. Flags waved from overpasses, some saluted as we passed.
Our two day trip eventually put us in the parking lot of the Pentagon, where we were joined by thousands of other bikers preparing to ride in the parade. My husband, known to most as “Pappy”, represented the state of KY by displaying the KY POW-MIA flag on his bike.
Pappy survived the Viet Nam war but he did not survive his battle with cancer.
This Memorial Day has brought me to tears and gave me smiles as I reflected on my life with him.
My heart aches for those who have lost loved ones, regardless of how or when they died. My prayers are with our military as they defend our freedom.
Tags: Memorial Day, motorcycles, Rolling Thunder
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May 26, 2008 at 3:42 am
Memorial Day Sonnet
If Liberty means anything to me,
I will remember what my freedom cost,
By those who gave their all to keep me free,
Whose lives were sacrificed, but never lost.
I will remind myself of what they did,
And keep them dearly cherished in my heart;
Their honor never from me shall be hid
And I will know they always did their part
To save our nation and its people here,
To pledge their lives in defense of our ways,
To show that freedom always outlives fear,
And sacrifice is hallowed all our days.
If Liberty means anything to me,
I will remember those who kept me free.
© John Stuart 2008
Pastor at Erin Presbyterian Church,
Knoxville, Tennessee
Audio at:
http://media.libsyn.com/media/stushie/Memorial_Day.mp3
May 26, 2008 at 5:32 am
For those of you who knew them I can not propose to tell you how to memorialize them. Other than as a man maybe no more than flesh and blood, Then surely- That which makes flesh and blood a soldier, is no more than a man- and tears.
May 26, 2008 at 5:58 am
Your story has deeply touched my heart. It was beautiful and sad, inspiring and emotional. I can’t imagine how overwhelming a spectacle Rolling Thunder would be to behold. I am so sorry for your loss.
May 26, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I too watched them on the news and was deeply moved. It must have been wonderful to be a part of that. I’m sorry you lost your husband. Cancer is a whole nother kind of war.
May 29, 2008 at 10:57 pm
As both my hubby and I are cancer survivors, I can understand a little about losing your hubby. Cancer doesn’t play fair. However, your hubby sure did leave some wonderful memories!
May 30, 2008 at 1:09 am
Having a vet for a hubby and many relatives and friends either surviving or passing from cancer, I understand. Thank God you had the great memories and the little bit of time you did have.
May 30, 2008 at 2:12 am
Thanks to all of you for your comments. I can’t tell you how good it made me feel to know that others understand.
May 31, 2008 at 9:01 am
What a wonderful tribute, Sherry. It might just be me, but it seems this past Memorial Day, I witnessed more in the way of citizens honoring American heroes than I have in the past. Regardless of the decade, any individual who has had the courage to fight for me and my country has my deepest and most profound gratitude and respect. God bless our Veterans – active, retired, deceased – for they are true Patriots.
June 1, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Very moving,thanks for sharing!