Love and War: A Memorial

Each Memorial Day I especially think of my Uncle Elliott; I never knew him.

Perhaps in part it's because I was named after him (my middle name). But also there is the sadness of the family never really knowing what happened. His bomber was shot down during the Korean "conflict". He was MIA. He was eventually declared dead. Few details ever came to light.

Dad was shot down over Korea in a fighter. His best friends, his wingmen, whose names I have never heard (he hates to talk about it) were blown out of the sky just before he was hit. He was senior POW in his camp, horribly mistreated, in terrible shape when he was finally returned home. He could also have easily been MIA, presumed dead.

Millions have died for freedom. Some truly died for freedom, some died for for other reasons disguised as freedom-- greed, pride, empire, whatever. As regards their deaths, their sacrifice, the honor they deserve, it really doesn't matter which. But thinking of whether they should have died, and upon whose hands their blood lies, it matters a great deal.

God, grant us wisdom to see the difference, and the ability to hold leaders accountable. Send us leaders who will not take us needlessly into war, into bloodshed, into destruction, into sorrow, into grief, into the land of MIA and KIA and collateral damage, but into life, love, peace, and joy wherever possible. Let us live our lives that way to be worthy of such leaders, that we may no more need days such as this.

But for now, thank you for the love, courage and strength of those who gave their lives for us. Let us give our lives meaningfully and dearly for you, and for those you have put here with us.

Amen.

Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Uncle Elliott. Thank you to all who died that we might live, and live free.

Thanks to the Mik Chiks for inspiring this.