Trace Adkins Performs At National Memorial Day Concert

Trace Adkins performs quite a beautiful performance, singing “Til The Last Shot’s Fired” at the National Memorial Day concert.

 

Memorial Day: A Veteran’s Perspective

(Updated from Memorial Day 2007)

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

 

Honoring the Fallen

(Updated)

HONORING THE FALLEN

They join together because it’s the right thing to do
They hope and they pray that this is their last mission
Respectfully they come to share a soldier’s last tattoo
They come to exhibit respect, not for any recognition
They arrive with thundering pipes astride steeds of steel
Black leather and shiny chrome beasts with Old Glory flying
Diverse backgrounds brought together to help Families heal
To shield the mourners from the unholy abhorrent lying.
Hawks, doves, civilians and vets they come to support
To comfort the Family and friends of the fallen warrior
They help provide a solemn respectful, fitting, final escort
Honoring the freedom fighter and negating the agitator
Freedom rings with every rev from each screaming v-twin
As these road warriors stand proud lining the boulevard
Seeing another hero off to Valhalla much to their chagrin
They proudly live up to their name as the Patriot Guard

 

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Ghost Ranger, Tex’s first novel, is now available on Lulu and Amazon.

 

 

 

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