Honor Guard

Last night's Sixty Minutes show was dedicated to stories about wounded soldiers.  It was very moving.  Perhaps the thing that surprised me the most was the need of wounded soldiers to return to the battlefield for a more proper departure.  I would never have understood that, had I not heard about a program that does just that.  There is just something about going back, and re-visiting the site of the place they left so abruptly, that is helpful in beginning the healing process.

I do so very much appreciate all those who serve in the military, even though my own personal choice would always be to avoid war.  That, of course, is not always possible, even though I wish it were.   I have my own personal/life experience reasons for not wanting to think about the military very much, and to leave it all in the past.

But I will say, that every time I see or experience any Military Honor Guard doing their rituals, I am always deeply moved.  There is just something special about the discipline.  Or the beauty of the precision.  Or the compelling sight of them moving in unity that touches my spirit.  Maybe it has to do with the bond among soldiers, and their willingness to lay down their lives for their comrades, which they often do.

Many times when I was officiating at a graveside service, and the deceased had been a soldier,  I would get chills to hear the bugle player, always out of sight, playing taps.   That sad, soulful sound would waft through the air.   Day's end.  Life's end.

Thanks to the brave young men and women in uniform,  who do what they do to serve their country, and our freedom.  May they be safe.