I felt more secure around veterans. They knew what to expect.”
–E.B. Slege (With the Old Breed)
“For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.”
–2 Corinthians 1:8 (NKJV)
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In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Veterans’ Day, and as is my tradition, since 2001, I post the famous poem by John McCrae.
How many have served, sacrificed, and died in service to this great country of ours. No, today is not Memorial Day, but in a sense, it is a memorial of its own. All who served gave of something, if nothing else–time, and an obligation to duty.
There are many things that could be said concerning this day and the service of our veterans. A veteran was a part of a cohesive unit, all with many jobs that must be maintained and accomplished in the fulfilling of the mission. I would like to list the family members who have served (at least those in the 20th-century).
Kenlock Jones — U.S. Army (World War I)
Harold Jones — U.S. Navy (World War II, Korea)
Bobby Jones — U.S. Navy (World War II)
Carl Adkisson — U.S. Army (World War II)
Ted Adkisson — U.S. Marine Corps/U.S. Air Force (World War II, Korea)
James Adkisson — U.S. Air Force (Korea, Vietnam)
Donald Adkisson — U.S. Air Force (Vietnam)
Walter Baker — U.S. Army (World War II)
William Baker — U.S. Army (World War II)
Howard Baker — U.S. Army (World War II)
James Swank — U.S. Army (World War II)
John Swank — U.S. Army (World War II)
Both Annie’s and my fathers served in World War II, plus all our uncles served in the military. We also had many cousins who also saw duty.
There is a staunch reminder in the last verse of this renown poem; it speaks of those who break faith with those who have served and lay beneath the sod. There is a warning! Have we turned aside the torch? Have we dropped it? Have we refused to take it and hold it firm? Lord, help us, for those who went before did their duty.