This is a true account written by Army Captain John Rasmussen and published by ARMY LINK NEWS on May 22, 2002.    


It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training.
Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was moving way too slowly.
I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.

The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.

My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck, getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.

All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again, the car in front of me stopped.

A soldier, a private of course, jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove.

I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. I waited to see the butt-chewing that I wanted him to get for making me late.

He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame.
I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain, and set it upright again.

Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know, taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures.

That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag -- encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget. I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I, a man, an American soldier."

I thank God for examples like that.

And on this Memorial Day, I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom, and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.

Have a safe and pleasant holiday weekend. Remember all those who helped protect our freedom! (1776-present day)

If you have any memorial stories to add feel free!
<Salute>

Great story. I used to wear a POW/MIA bracelet for the longest time. If anyone is unfamilar with these, they had the name of a person who never returned home. Once you learn the fate of the individual, you send the bracelet to that person or the family. I figured that I would never learn the fate of the person whose name I wore on my wrist for many years. Then one day, I was watching the news and I heard his name-Micheal Joseph Blassie. Come to find out, that he had been "home" for decades because he was buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Solder in Arlington Cemetary. I did send the bracelet to his family saying that I wish I was sending it to him.  :'( :'( :'( Even though I never met Micheal personally, But I feel that he was a part of my life.

RIP Micheal.  :'(



Cat

Thanks for sharing Arcfire.
We should all remember that Memorial Day is not "just another day off" from school or work.  Please take a moment this weekend and remember those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country in times of conflict as well as peaceful times.

Please let's not turn this thread into a political debate.
Thanks in advance!

cs

Yes, agreed. Memorial Day should be held in reverence.... and I am  saddened that I have added one more grave to visit this year. And the most difficult.

Cat, your story reminded me of a similar situation here.  Last fall one of the soldiers in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was identified and brought home.  The turnout for his burial was amazing.  Still brings tears to my eyes to think about.

I will definately take a moment to reflect on everything the armed services has done for my way of life.  My grandfather was in WWII (he was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed.  It was his 24th birthday no less), and if he hadn't of come home I wouldn't be here now.  It sure gives me great respect for those who are now and have been in the military.