EduClaytion

Memorial Day: Honoring Sacrifice

Some lives are lost, and some lives are taken. Others are given. This weekend we pause our schedules as a nation to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who decided to commit their lives to our freedom, our future, our way of life.

These heroes, never to be forgotten, left classrooms and workplaces and loved ones to get on buses and planes. They arrived in camps to be transformed through grueling training. Millions of those soldiers then landed in unknown combat zones halfway around the world where conditions were often so horrendous they could only be described as hell on earth, realities terrifying enough that some anticipated death as a release.

Since the opening of the American Revolution, over 1 million have been mortally wounded in service to our country. More than that have survived wounds. The stories of these men and women may often go unrealized but are impossible to ignore once they are encountered. As time rolls on we lose many of these accounts to the vacuum of history. Yet new conflicts unfold, and new heroes rise up, leaders willing to stand in the gap between freedom and tyranny for you and me.

In the 21st century, phrases like Medal of Honor and Call of Duty often bring to mind hi-tech video games. The appeal of these games is the intensity of the action, the conviction that there are bad guys battling for evil, and the desire to be a hero. Gamers inherently understand these things, but screen graphics are enjoyable and pose no threat. The true stories that captivate and stir us are borne of pain and love.

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The highest tribute a soldier can receive is the Medal of Honor. Recipients of this exclusive recognition perform feats summed up this way by their nation.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of  life above and beyond the call of duty.”

That specific language has evolved since George Washington began awarding a Badge of Military Merit in 1782. You may have recently seen the HBO series The Pacific. I’m fascinated by the events of that dreadful theater and the sacrifices of so many. I often wonder who in our time is continuing this proud legacy of heroism. Who will be portrayed in movies about Iraq and the War on Terrorism decades from now?

Consider what these modern heroes have done and how their actions powerfully match the meaning of the Medal of Honor description. 

“Conspicuous” ~ Ross McGinnis–P.F.C., U.S. Army & Michael Monsoor–Master at Arms Second Class, U.S. Navy

Something that’s conspicuous is obvious or easy to notice and attracts attention. Conspicuity is about being clear or bright. The idea of a star is fitting when describing these men.

In December 2006, Ross McGinnis watched an Iraqi insurgent’s grenade fall through the gunner’s hatch and into his vehicle. PFC McGinnis alerted the four members of his crew and then, rather than diving out for safety, threw himself on top of the grenade. He was mortally wounded as he protected his crew by absorbing the explosive fragmentation.

Michael Monsoor was positioned between two mates atop a rooftop in September 2006 in Iraq. As they surveyed the area, an enemy grenade bounced off Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. He had time to escape the blast but chose to disregard his safety and dove on top of the explosive to save his teammates. He was killed.

“Gallantry” ~ Jason Dunham–Corporal, U.S.M.C.

Gallantry is about acting exceedingly courageous or brave. When rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire broke out in Karabilah, Iraq in 2004, Corporal Dunham led his team to support an ambushed convoy. Dunham’s crew left their transports to search Iraqi vehicles.

“As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade…Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast…”

He, too, gave his life for others.

“Intrepidity” ~ Paul R. Smith–Sergeant First Class, U.S. Army

Intrepidity is dauntlessness or fearlessness. This resolute courageousness is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation.

Paul Smith could not be intimidated in the spring of 2003 while serving in Baghdad. His force of over 100 fellow soldiers came under attack by an entire company of enemy fighters. The official description of his actions surpasses anything I could write.

“…As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers.”

Conspicuous. Gallant. Intrepid. These warriors could not be intimidated despite the fear they all felt.

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Survivors pay a heavy toll as well.  Haunted by memories and guilt, they often struggle to readjust to society and wonder why they came home when so many others did not. As Chuck Tatum, hero of Iwo Jima, has said:

“How many people see somebody they know killed in front of their eyes?  And another one and another one and another one.  I don’t care who you are, it’s going to affect your thinking.”

Like heroes of the past, men and women are today fighting in areas we have often never heard of but may one day be as famous as Normandy or Iwo Jima. One minute they’re planning their future, the next they’re sacrificing the rest of their lives so we can have ours. There is no greater gift than the life that’s been given for us. This weekend is about saying thank you to those who willingly offer theirs.

May 28, 2010 - Posted by educlaytion | History, Life