Every Memorial Day I especially remember my tours as a young Marine in Vietnam. On this day I enter a small room where books line the walls and diplomas, courtesy of government benefits, hang proudly.
And up against a door hang my Dress Blues.
Attached on the left chest of the jacket are seven ribbons in three rows. A Rifle Expert Badge is clipped below them and draping the left shoulder is the Second Battalion Sixth Marines French Fourragere, representing the last regiment I served with (touring the Mediterranean) before my separation from the Marine Corps in 1970.
The first ribbon on the bottom row is the Vietnam Service Medal with one silver and two bronze stars attached to it; each bronze star represents one military campaign, the silver represents five. As my fingers touch the stars, they bring to memory the brotherhood of ordinary young men from across the nation who answered the call during the Vietnam Conflict to do the extraordinary. These stars represent a time capsule from 1966-68 of both good and painful memories that include two childhood friends who gave their all.
How do we honor such sacrifice? Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg made that clear: “… that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Interestingly, Lincoln was heard to say that the 272 words “… won’t scour” compared to the long oration by the keynote speaker. It has become one of the best-remembered speeches in history, yet the meaning behind the message seems to elude many as Memorial Day has become just another long weekend for many to enjoy only the fruits of those sacrifices.
Maybe the timeless message had special meaning for a time when service was required, a time when words like, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask you can do for your country,” inspired depth and meaning and service.
Like life, democratic ideals need nourishment to sustain and remind the inattentive of how precious freedom is, yet fragile when unattended. It is in “… the people, by the people, for the people, …” behavior that renews memory and gives meaning to the liberties we enjoy.
As Lt. Col. John McCrae so eloquently wrote of their devotion in his poem In Flanders Fields: “… To you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high. …”
Sgt. H.R. Barrera
USMC (ret.)
California
Birth kits
criticized
Just a few comments regarding news reports that a south Texas hospital will be providing childbirth kits to the Border Patrol of the RGV sector.
So now, Border Patrol agents will be serving as midwifes for illegal immigrants in addition to serving as processing clerks and travel agents. Next thing you know Border Patrol agents will be asked to serve as nannies/babysitters for unaccompanied minors.
Makes me wonder if and when Border Patrol agents will find the time to protect our southern border from human smugglers, drug cartels and other criminal organizations.
Ben Castillo
Harlingen
