Today is Memorial Day, or as it was originally designated back in 1868, Decoration Day. It was a day set aside to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves. The day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War Soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Memorial Day spent in Baghdad was like all days spent in Iraq, filled with mixed emotions. Today both began and ended with the playing of Taps.
Ambassador Crocker gave a Memorial Day dedication on the front lawn of the United States Embassy this morning. And while I have heard many solemn speeches about dedication and sacrifice, this one was unique. It was unique perhaps because of the wartime setting, or because of the Marine guard posted with honor and dignity, or the color guard made up of each of the branches of the armed services serving together in this cause. But more than likely it was how in the middle of the ceremony, two MEDEVAC helicopters flew overhead bringing in wounded soldiers for emergency care.
It is an awakening to hear a speech about ultimate sacrifice as Soldiers who have just made it are being evacuated. This time it really meant something, and the message was clear. This time I really knew why Memorial Day is honored.
The rest of my day was spent engaging the media of the world. They do not take a day off from war coverage because the nations and extremists of the world do not take the day off in respect of those who have fallen. As the war continues, so do the casualties of war.
Last night was not a good night. The U.S. Forces lost some brave men and many more injured. One of the duties of my position is to take queries from the media on hostile engagements to include casualties. It is a delicate balance we take between informing the public about what is happening in the war and respecting the privacy of the families who have just suffered a loss. This is not to say the members of the media are uncaring. They have witnessed this war in a way that has never been done before and they too have paid a heavy price. But they are compelled to keep their readers informed. I am compelled to protect the soldiers and their families. So we compromise to protect the rights these men and women are fighting to preserve and to share with this new democracy. The media are given enough detail to inform the public, but we reserve enough so the soldiers' families can learn of their loved ones’ sacrifices through the quiet dignity of a chaplain.
The war continues. There are great sacrifices being made over here everyday. It was a difficult Memorial Day for the Soldiers serving in Iraq. I just wanted to let you know.
Memorial Day spent in Baghdad was like all days spent in Iraq, filled with mixed emotions. Today both began and ended with the playing of Taps.
Ambassador Crocker gave a Memorial Day dedication on the front lawn of the United States Embassy this morning. And while I have heard many solemn speeches about dedication and sacrifice, this one was unique. It was unique perhaps because of the wartime setting, or because of the Marine guard posted with honor and dignity, or the color guard made up of each of the branches of the armed services serving together in this cause. But more than likely it was how in the middle of the ceremony, two MEDEVAC helicopters flew overhead bringing in wounded soldiers for emergency care.
It is an awakening to hear a speech about ultimate sacrifice as Soldiers who have just made it are being evacuated. This time it really meant something, and the message was clear. This time I really knew why Memorial Day is honored.
The rest of my day was spent engaging the media of the world. They do not take a day off from war coverage because the nations and extremists of the world do not take the day off in respect of those who have fallen. As the war continues, so do the casualties of war.
Last night was not a good night. The U.S. Forces lost some brave men and many more injured. One of the duties of my position is to take queries from the media on hostile engagements to include casualties. It is a delicate balance we take between informing the public about what is happening in the war and respecting the privacy of the families who have just suffered a loss. This is not to say the members of the media are uncaring. They have witnessed this war in a way that has never been done before and they too have paid a heavy price. But they are compelled to keep their readers informed. I am compelled to protect the soldiers and their families. So we compromise to protect the rights these men and women are fighting to preserve and to share with this new democracy. The media are given enough detail to inform the public, but we reserve enough so the soldiers' families can learn of their loved ones’ sacrifices through the quiet dignity of a chaplain.
The war continues. There are great sacrifices being made over here everyday. It was a difficult Memorial Day for the Soldiers serving in Iraq. I just wanted to let you know.
3 comments:
I wish that I could think of something to say. I want to ask you what I should be thinking about this war because you know so much more about it, and honestly, I don't know how to feel. Is it a good thing? Are we helping? But I suppose that everyone is asking that. I wish I knew more about it so that I could have an opinion, but I don't believe I'd understand it better even with the facts and data you mentioned in a previous blog. War is just something I can hardly wrap my brain around, and this one is especially confusing to me.
I hope you're doing well.
Hey Destiny. Every day I see the good we do and I see the hopelessness. There is no doubt there are a great number of people in need in this country. I will continue to keep you up to date on the developments as I see them. Thanks for reading.
Man, I really do miss you, a lot of us do. Sometimes...as Destiny said it's hard to take a stand on this issue without actually seeing things first hand or talking to people. Your blogs help. But as much as we may need an answer...I'm not sure we would be willing to go in search to find where it lies. Puffer talks about you often, and how you have to make the tougher things in life more of...I dont want to say a joke. But turn it into something that isnt what it is. If that makes any sense at all..? We are reading "In your Time" By Hemingway. So there are short stories of war, and I think about the things you must endure. I really do look up to you for what you are doing and stand for. Thanks for protecting us Mr. Hall.
~Autumn (6th hour) ;)
Take care of yourself
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