Memorial Day: A Veteran’s Perspective

I’m ashamed to admit that Memorial Day had little meaning except for a mini-vacation, a day off, BBQ, and picnic. That changed when I joined the military and served in the Gulf War.

I ran a command post during Desert Shield / Desert Storm. The night of January 17, 1991 was the day we went to war against Saddam Hussein’s forces. It is also a day I will never forget. I stepped outside my command post to watch fighter jet after fighter jet take off in the night to coordinates I had given them. There was a slight breeze in the desert air and the American flag illuminated in the background as more and more jets pushed their engines to afterburner. I have never felt more patriotic than at the moment.

My patriotism soon turned to terror as we received word of our first SCUD missile warning, the first of 86 SCUD missiles to be launched at U.S. forces and Israel. I immediately grabbed a microphone that connected me to the base warning system. I yelled into the mike, “SCUD alarm, SCUD alarm, SCUD alarm. Don mask and gloves and take cover.” I repeated that warning two more times. I immediately took a look outside to see 6,000 military personnel scrambling to put on their chemical warfare gear while dashing for the safety of bunkers.

The first Gulf War was a victory for U.S. and allied forces. We lost only 148 military personnel, 28 died from a SCUD missile attack on an Air Force base in Dhahrain, Saudi Arabia. I knew some of those Airmen. They and the multitude of others who served our country did not die in vain.

More than 1.5 million American men and women who served our Armed Forces have died. One point five million–that is the equivalent of the entire country of Estonia. It is hard to comprehend. They did not die in vain. They died in service to our country. In return, we owe them and their families our greatest respect.

I urge you, if you haven’t gone to the Vietnam Memorial, please do that in your lifetime. It will change your perspective on what Memorial Day truly means. Also, if you get a chance, go up to a military man or woman and thank them for their service to our country. You see, Memorial Day is not just about a mini-vacation, day off, BBQ, or picnic, it’s about great people who served our great nation.

Representative and veteran Doc Hastings (R) of Washington puts it best:

Memorial Day remains one of America’s most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed - it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy.

Note: If you would like to thank one of our brave men and women serving our country, here is a comprehensive military listing of links to help you: http://geckocountry.com/military.htm