It was early in the evening, a time when most of us were looking forward to some rest and dinner with our families. A time when we finally had a few minutes for conversation and catching up on each other’s day. In an American town, the police were responding to a domestic disturbance where they arrested a young man who was later charged with drug possession. The drug was an anti-anxiety medicine. Unfortunately, the prescription was not in this person’s name. Opps! This became a Class C felony for a young veteran whose picture of his Iraq experience appeared on Time magazine only weeks before.

For him, like many vets, the combat zone was never far from his mind and heart. Upon returning home, problems continued to plaque the young man. He had difficulty keeping a job, couldn’t seem to stay away from drugs and alcohol, ended up in jail on more than one occasion, and become divorced within two years. Living became too torturous to bear until finally his mother received the news that no mother ever wants to receive.

She had to bury her son too young, too soon.

Stories like this are more numerous than many Americans recognize or acknowledge. An article from the McCormick Foundation stated, “Statistics indicate that approximately 300,000 veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or major depression, and about 320,000 may have experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI) during deployment (Lisa H. Jaycox and Terri Tanielian, Invisible Wounds of War, Rand Corporation, 2008).”  The battle for peace of mind becomes even more challenging for many military individuals upon returning from war.  Most never talk about their experience. Most rarely let others see how complicated it is to live a “normal” existence.  Most never complain.

So think about when a warrior dies alone on a battle field far from home, where are you? When he/she returns home and can’t sleep at night because of the flashbacks and nightmares, where are you? When a mother weeps for a son or daughter she will never again hold in her arms, where are you? When a vet is living homeless on your city’s streets because he can’t seem to hold a job or clear his head of the dreadful memories, where are you?

For most, you are at work, at home, on vacation, living your life in a fairly peace-filled manner, even given our current economic upheaval, you are free. You are safe. And you are whole in mind, body, and spirit. Our veterans gave all of that up for you, for me, for others around the world. Be sure to thank a vet. Be sure to say a prayer for their healing. Oh, and extend a Thank You to the family, because everyday they are giving up their own sense of peace and well-being.

For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer or the end of the school year. Too many citizens never stop to remember the thousands of lives that have been sacrificed in order that we might be free to celebrate this day.

July Fourth recognizes this nation’s independence; Nov. 11 honors our veterans. May 30 is reserved for us to pay respect to those fellow Americans who have given their lives in the conflicts that gave us liberty and kept America free.

The very real reason for all Americans to pause and pay tribute to the men and women who have died in the service of our country is to remind ourselves that freedom isn’t free. Sometimes, it takes more than paying your taxes and singing the national anthem at football games to guarantee the opportunity to be critics of government and elected leaders.

As a nation, we are more often distracted by the commercialism of this special rememberance. A few years ago we started talking about the “greatest generation” and the spirit it showed in helping win World War II. Between Dec.1, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946, more than 16.1 million people served in the uniform of the United States. More than 210,000 were women. More than a half-million Americans gave their lives; honor them.

It was less than eight years ago that more than 3,000 Americans were killed by a handful of terrorists whose only reason was that we are free and they hate us for it. Patriotism flourished in the aftermath of the cowardly acts of Sept. 11, 2001. The spirit of sacrifice and the realization that it was indeed a war declared on us that day - one that will not end with a parade down 5th Avenue with bands playing and flags waving - appears to have faded in the minds of too many.

It has been my privilege to stand with a small group in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day of our Bicentennial Year as President Gerald Ford laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

When the president stepped back and saluted, there were tears in his eyes. As the last notes of “Taps” echoed across those hallowed grounds, there wasn’t a dry eye within a mile.

Young Americans have died this week, probably even today, so that we can be free.

Memorial Day: a time to remember and honor all those who have died for our country so that we may live.

National Veterans Awareness Ride:       Day 3 Friday May 15

Posted on the NVAR website:         www.nvar.us

We started the ride today at 7:45 a.m. We lost one rider who returned home but picked up a new one. The weather was very cool after a rain front passed through last night. However, it was sunny and rain free by morning. The morning was uneventful for our 1st and second gas stops. Our third gas stop in Laramie, WY was rather spectacular. We were met there by 32 additional riders from the surrounding area and from Cheyenne. Also joining us was Vince and the Snyder Freight Line Freedom Rider Semi. What a beautifully Painted truck it is. Vince will be going all the way to the wall with us. The line of riders and support vehicles stretched for ¼ mile traveling the 60 miles to Cheyenne. We were met by a police escort on I-80 at Cheyenne and taken to the VA Hospital. As we pulled into the circle drive we noticed the flags flying at half mast. It was in honor and recognition of the fallen police officers of the area. The circle drive was lined with 11 American flags and the grass area had a small flag in the ground for each Vet that died at the hospital last year. It was a very impressive tribute. Tony Seahorn, a very highly decorated Vietnam Vet was the guest speaker. He presented a very moving tribute about some of his experiences in Vietnam and about honoring those who were never accounted for or returned alive. He & his wife co-authored a book called Tears of a Warrior, which is about their family’s story of combat and living with PTSD. His wife Janet, who is a Ph.D read us a poem entitled Angels of Steel. Janet wrote and dedicated this poem to the NVAR, stating “it will never be published for sale in any format”. It is strictly for honoring what we are doing. I wish it were not so long as I would love to share it with all who read this. It is so beautiful and moving it brought many to tears. Check out the web sight www.tearsofawarrior.com. After the ceremony we had a detail place a wreath among the flags of the honored dead, with taps and a 21 gun salute to follow. My friend for the day became Norman. He is a 29 ½ year air force Veteran. After retiring, he became a nurse and worked at the Cheyenne VA before becoming a patient at the home there. Norman had a brother who was a helicopter pilot and was killed in Vietnam. I found out most of this information from his wife who visits Norman every single day. We finished our day off at VFW Post 1881 with a very tasty spaghetti dinner and presented many well deserved certificates of appreciation.

President Barack Obama signed and issued a proclamation designating May 17, 2009 as Armed Forces Day:

“Today, the United States military serves across the world to keep us safe. They are working here at home to protect America from threats foreign and domestic; they are risking their lives in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan; and they are also serving bravely in many other parts of the world to ensure our security and provide humanitarian assistance. Members of the Armed Forces are forging a better future for our Nation and the world.

As they carry out their missions, military families endure the sacrifice of their absence. Worrying about their safety, moving to new duty stations, and managing a home without a loved one, these families shoulder great burdens as they help sustain our men and women in uniform… The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coastguardsmen who have answered the call to service deserve recognition and gratitude. They have endured the most difficult of conditions to protect America and her highest ideals.”

Last week, Tony and I visited several veteran homes and hospitals to give out copies of our book, Tears of a Warrior.  It is always a humbling experience to see the price of Freedom in the broken bodies, minds, and hearts of our fellow military men/women.  Not one person complained about his circumstances.  Not one of these veterans declared that, if they had to do it over again, he would choose not to serve their country.  The price many veterans pay for that service was and is incredible high.  It does not end when the war is over.  It remains a part of that person’s heart for life.  Perhaps, we in the human race will find more appropriate ways to settle our differences.  Ways that will not necessitate killing, maiming, and destroying each other.  Perhaps, leaders across the world will be able to solve conflicts in a more humane manner.  Perhaps, the world will grow more compassionate and caring and peace will actually be a part of every person’s existence.  But until that time comes, let us not forget what we, as a nation, owe to those men and women who serve to protect our freedom, our peace, and our families.

 

On May 15, Tony & Jan were asked to be the guest speakers at the National Veterans Awareness Ride as the participants visit the VA Hospital in Cheyenne. The ride begins in California and culminates in Washington DC on Memorial Day in remembrance of all MIAs, POWs, and Veterans who have served their country. Following is a poem that Jan wrote and dedicated to the riders of the special occasion:

 

Angels of Steel

 

The angels cry when warriors die,

In distant lands where troubles lie.

Where sadness grows with each new day

and sorrow is not far away.

 

We fly on planes to reach this place

where death abides within its space.

There is no choice where I may fight

I only trust that it be right.

 

Each day I wake and say a prayer

to keep us safe and in God’s care.

Yet, knowing well some will not live

and others may not soon forgive.

 

The wop, wop, wop of copter blades

will drop their cargo, then they fade.

Into the distant sky they fly

with lifeless bags inside do lie.

 

Like steel angels from above

they bring supplies, our families’ love.

And carry wounded from the field

to places where they may be healed.

 

So many lost, did not return,

Their final end we’ve never learned.

For years we looked without success,

perhaps today they are at rest.

 

The scars remain within my soul

that haunts my mind and leaves a hole.

Where once the innocence of youth

was buried by the wrath of Zeus.

 

The bloody battles the heart must bear,

the mind cannot forget the terror.

But life goes on and must exist

for strength and honor to persist.

 

Across our country warriors ride

on bikes of steel with humbled pride,

To honor those who gave so much

and not forget the world they’ve touched.

  

The flag of glory they carry high

Through miles and miles of endless sky,

Reminding all of freedom’s costs,

this hallowed message must not be lost.

 

And angels cry when warriors die,

In distant lands where troubles lie.

They hold the hope that peace will be

through freedom and democracy.

                                                       

Janet J. Seahorn, PhD.

www.tearsofawarrior.com

A few weeks ago, during a book publication meeting, I met a lovely lady, Lois Hjelmstad, who had written a book, Fine Black Lines, of reflections of how she survived cancer told in journal entries, reflections, poetry, and photographs. One of her poems reflected what many veterans and their families have experienced when living with PTSD.  Since many of life’s challenges have “emotional” similarities, I thought our blog readers might find this particular selection meaningful. 

It’s best to act normal…

To say, “I’m just fine.”

What everyone wants is

A positive sign.

 

Just smile and say thank you

When people will ask.

One mustn’t let on that

Each day is a task.

 

Friends keep on calling…

You know they mean well.

But really they’d rather

For you not to tell

 

Each symptom, each detail,

Each wearisome day.

Or mention that small fear

You can’t drive away.

 

An illness gets tiring…

For them and for you.

The difference is simple…

They get to quit.

( © 2003  Lois Hjelmstad)

 www.mulberryhillpress.com

303.781.8974

 

Wouldn’t it be great if, when the demons appear, one could simply say, “I Quit”, and everything would be normal?  The reality of the situation is that warriors Never Quit, they keep on going no matter what battles they are waging.  For that, my friends, is the very essence of a true warrior.