Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Senior Member
Username: rliebing
Post Number: 1397
Registered: 02-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 - 08:19 am: |    |
130522
YET ANOTHER-- THE SAME BUT THIS YEAR DIFFERENT
by Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT
Cincinnati, OH
Memorial Day this year is still like many others past-- but different. As this is written, the middle lands of our country are a disaster. Tornados with no eyes or intent have smashed lives, taken at least 20 children, mainly in their class rooms. A teacher covered others to save them.
Say, haven’t we heard that not too long ago, when a deranged mind shot and killed 26 children and teachers, with heavy duty weapons? Why did a foreigner come here to kill an eight-year old and others and maiming numerous others? We can ask the same “why “ that we ask about the reckless, aimless tornados. Why are such young lives suddenly taken? Why do wonderful teachers die or mourn students? How do stupid incidents like Boston resolve anything-- well, gosh wars usually don't.
But wait!!!! These are domestic incidents—here! In the USA. We still wonder why, and why now. It is all too easy to remember that we are still young people, with volunteers in the Middle East. A little bit older than grade school, these young lives, too, are marred, devastated and gone. There are memories here too, just like the memories developing in mid-America. They will-- in fact MUST!—become part of Memorial Day. We need to remember, mourn and apply our faith. Somehow all these events will lose their vivid detail, but the faces, smiles and love will remain.
This has happened since before the USA started. We worked through it, and still have that single day when we pause and specifically take time to reflect; to mourn; to cry; to recall what may have been. Our collective strength will prevail under-girded by the tears shed silently in the darkness of night. White crosses, unfortunately, will still be needed, as will tributes to 7-year olds with potential [like their older brothers and sisters]
Each day we need to remember and reflect, but on Memorial Day we need to concentrate, bow our heads, sniffle tears and be grateful for those we had for as long or as short as it was.
Do you hear childish voices singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic? Or “Taps”? in your mind?-- In mine it is very clear!
GOD BLESS AMERICA |
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