Trav's Thoughts

My simple message on Memorial Day remains the same as always.

Tomb of the Unknown.

Remember them today.

WWI Cemetery at Tyne Cot, Ypres, Belgium.

Remember them tomorrow.

WWII Memorial, Washington DC.

Remember them in all the days to come.

Korean War Memorial, Washington DC.

Remember them.

Vietnam War Memorial, Washington DC.

They made the ultimate sacrifice in service to honor, duty, and country.

For those lost in both Persian Gulf Wars.

To those currently in harm's way, may you safely accomplish the mission and come home to enjoy all the tomorrows of your lives.

For those lost in all conflicts from the founding of our Nation to today.

This post originally appeared on 31 May, 2010.
Wind whip'd white caps on the steely gray bay,
Tempestuously rolling toward shore.
Cold bites hard, more winter ice than spring rain.
Vortexes of angry clouds promise more.
Within such uncheck'd volatility
Did the course of a fast friendship reside.
Only alive when running wild and free;
Never quiescent, rarely satisfied.
Yet often comes that day when paths diverge,
When the lives of men find distinct purpose,
Youth foregoing witless pursuits to merge
In honor with the few and the proud, and thus,
For duty, one met his untimely end.
So shall I always remember my friend.