Honor in My Heart
Motionless
“This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation, as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one.”
My loved one. My dear son Eric. Who, five months after being honorably discharged from the U. S. Marine Corps, lay motionless in a flag draped casket. The presentation of that flag, ceremoniously folded, was the most heart-wrenching moment of his funeral. Uncontrollable sobs wracked my body as the Officer-in-Charge presented Eric’s next of kin—me, his mother—with the folded flag that had covered his casket.
All my life, and to this day, three years after Eric’s painful suicide, I have walked up to and thanked members of our Armed Forces for serving our country. That is, by chance, how this mother, at 46 years of age, found herself dressed in full ACUs (Army Combat Uniform) on this Memorial Day Weekend.
Hooked
In January, as I walked the aisles of a horse-filled exhibition hall at our local state fairground, two uniformed men flanked a booth. With tears in my eyes, I extended a hand and thanked them, “But what branch of the military are you with—I don’t recognize the uniform?” The commander’s soft eyes smiled from under his draped black beret, “We’re with the Cavalry, Ma’am—Maryland Defense Force, Troop A, Cavalry.”
The Cavalry. I didn’t even know it still existed—but my curiousity was piqued and I was hooked. For the past three months I have been working toward completing my basic training: passing muster in front of dignitaries and generals, riding the trails of history in Gettysburg, learning Customs and Courtesies, obtaining my Red Cross certification and on Saturday, completing the Saber Qualification Course.
Irony or Purpose?
In preparation, as I was putting the emblems and insignias on my ACUs, I hesitated before placing “LOSEY” on my patrol cap. Tears streamed down my face as I ran out to Eric’s truck to retrieve his—the one he hung from his rear view mirror the day I picked him up from Camp Lejeune, NC three years earlier. I clutched both caps to my aching heart. Irony? No, purpose.
As I placed my cap on my head, I rehung Eric’s on the rear-view mirror of his F-150, hopped up onto the seat and hauled my horse, Rocky, down the highway to see if we would qualify as members of Troop A by completing the timed Saber Qualification Course. We succeeded. Rocky ran fast and hard as I jabbed a heavy m1913 Patton Replica Saber into 20 or so burlap sacks stuffed with hay, strategically positioned on a field with cross jumps, bales of hay, and tarps simulating water. At the day’s end, my commander asked Rocky and me to serve in a special unit to honor our fallen comrades. “Would we be interested in training to pull the caisson, which bears the body of the veteran, at military funerals? Only four horses and riders in Maryland are selected.”
With Honor in My Heart
Exhausted, sweaty and dirty, I drove home with honor in my heart to prepare for Sunday’s Memorial Day picnic and celebration with my family.
Most of us view the weekend as the unofficial beginning of summer, with picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events, but please, let us also remember and bestow gratitude upon the men and women who serve our country during war and peace. I miss you Eric.
USMC Graduation, Parris Island—Eric and me
I am so proud of Eric, You and Rocky!
semper fi.
I was just searching for about this when I discovered your blog post. I’m simply visiting to say that I definitely liked seeing this post, it’s very clear and well written. Are you thinking of writing more on this? It looks like there is more depth here for more posts.
Hi Joan,
Thanks for the comments. Absolutely, I’ll be posting about twice a week, on whatever life throws at me, so come on back!
Linda
Linda,
You never cease to amaze me with the direction you take in life. Your passion is so much a part of who you are and it makes me proud to be your friend. You love and get angry with such spirit. You will have to carry your text with you at times to remind yourself of the control you have over anger. Congratulations on your new ranking. Please don’t go sign up for the military. I’ll be reading your blogs and will be able to keep up with your life, I hope!
Love, Pauline
Hey Pauls,
Thanks so much for reading and responding. You know I’m carrying that text all crumpled and folded up in my back pocket! Too late on the military–I’m a card carrying member. Stateside though.
Love you,
Linda
Thanks for writing, I very much enjoyed your newest post. I think you should post more often, you evidently have talent for blogging!
Aw thanks so much. I’m enjoying it–right now life is allowing time for two posts a week. Hopefully more in the future. Glad you’re enjoying!
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
Hi Andrew, thanks for letting me know and subscribing. That touches my heart!
Thanks Kris, what’s your site…would love to tell the world!
Nice post, thanks.
Thanks Mike!
Hey, great post, really well written. You should write more about this.
Thanks again, Mike!
Hello! Thanks for the post. It is really amazing! I will definitely share it with my friends.
How soon will you update your blog? I’m interested in reading some more information on this issue.
Thanks Cris!
Linda
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