In Memorium

In Memorium

By Lilian Leader
May 28, 2016

Have you ever looked, really looked, at a soldiers face?

Sometimes it's young barely an adult - the hopes of youth
still painted in it's features.

Sometimes it's old - older than faith, older than wisdom,
older than time.

And sometimes...it's a bit of both all at once.

Sometimes it's gritty and pained, remembering the face
of another who has fallen.

Sometimes it's laughing, pleased to have a moment of peace.

Most of the time it is proud because it knows, oh yes it knows,
the world is a better place - a better place - because of it.

Next time you look at a soldier's face, see if you can find that
glint of pride.

Sometimes it's hidden, and you have to search it out.

You'll find it in the eyes - always in the eyes.

For the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul,
even a soldier's soul.

And when you've examined every feature of that soldiers face,
stand up straight and tall, and smile your best smile.

Thank that soldier, because it does what some cannot or will
not.

It defends what it believes to be right - with it's very life.

But more important, it defends a perfect stranger, you.

And when you see a flag covered casket, stand in memorium
of all the soldiers faces you've examined.

For when one of them fall, they all fall.

And when one of them stands, they all stand.

Shouldn't we stand with them?

http://www.usmemorialday.org/InMemorium.pdf