This was one of the single most surreal moments in my deployment to this date. Imagine a moonless night, in an area where there is no ambient light. You can see stars that you never could have imagined that existed. The Milky Way Galaxy stretching from one horizon to the other. All of the soldiers are lined up shoulder to shoulder forming a corridor from were the fallen lie, to the helicopter pad. The guards who will carry the bodies turn on their red headlights and look like cyclopes with a single red eye. It is so black that you can only see faint shadows of the person next to you. From just over the wall, a loud cannon report makes you jump, and you are glad that the darkness covered your uneasiness. The cannon shot is followed by a hollow "whump" as the round explodes into a brilliant yellow flare casting a candle light glow on the company of soldiers. The flare like the lives' of the fallen soldiers slowly dances to the ground and goes out, leaving everyone in darkness. The guards carry the flag draped bodies to the helicopters and with a final salute they are carried away to their friends and families for their final resting.
The chaplain spoke a few words afterwards, but I could tell he wasn't the best orator or the most observant of fellows.
Had he seen what I saw there were many symbols of man and the eternal nature of man's soul. Looking up in the night sky seeing so many stars, testifies to the eternal grandeur of our spirits. Our natural lives are like the cannon shot and flare, burning brightly but for a few moments, only to eventually return to the dark.
This is the second of such ceremonies that I have seen and I hate it all the same. Tonight a wife, a mother, and children will learn that their love one will never be coming home from this barren wilderness. There will be flowers, eulogies, speeches, flags and rallies, but in the end life will have to go on for these people. It makes me grateful for my wife and children. It makes me want to hug my children tighter, kiss my wife longer and it makes me value the greatest commodity we have, time. This night makes me grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the hope for a resurrection. The knowledge of the eternal nature of the spirit of mankind, and the sealing blessings of a temple marriage.
To all who happen to read this, tonight go outside and look at the stars. Spend a special moment with those you love, and render your own Hero's salute.
What an eloquent expression of duty, honor, faith, and love. We are so proud of all you are doing!
ReplyDeleteI love you, Neil.
ReplyDeleteThat was beautiful. Do you feel like you are on another mission of sorts?
ReplyDeleteWhat a dear tribute to those who've fallen. I am so grateful for them and to you and your team. It's difficult to express how your comments have affected me. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
ReplyDelete