Memorial Day 2018 words of reflection
Walking to the top here - to this portion of the Shawsheen Cemetery under a canopy of spring colored leaves, a peaceful habitat for reflection of the men and women from Bedford who fought and gave their all for this republic.
Fast forward if you will. It wasn't "Four score and seven years ago.," but rather five score - yes, 100 years ago this November 11 when an armistice ended the Great War, the "war to end all wars." Now fast forward with me again to Friday, May 25, 2018.
It was that Friday that we witnessed a bridge dedication ceremony for PFC John Hart & LCPL Travis Desiato - both graduates of Bedford High School - both killed in action in Iraq.
Just three days ago, a beautiful 20 foot flag billowed, like a sail boat's spinnaker, Seven red stripes, six white stripes and 50 stars of white on a field of blue; old glory majestically draped over the side of the bridge, over the steady flowing current of the Concord River.
The cooling wind gave comfort to those in the afternoon sun. Rustling leaves of the nearby maple trees cast cool shade over the podium, setting the stage for the ceremony; a most fitting visual metaphor for the occasion.
Family, friends, neighbors, teachers, adults who coached John or Travis, residents from all walks of life, politicians, town employees, honor guards from both Bedford fire and police and Hanscom Air Force Base, firemen, policemen,and well wishers all came to show respect to the Hart Desiato families on this day of reflection.
By the Concord River's edge, a dozen or so trees shed their seeds. Hundreds of thousands of maple "helicopter" seeds stimulated by the breeze were sent rotating slowly to the earth below and scattered among the attendees.
Of all those seeds that make it through next winter, a rather small percentage will sprout from the ground. A smaller percentage yet will thrive to become a seedling, and far fewer will ever become like the strong and mighty maples that stand guard by the river's edge.
Therein lies the magnificent, graceful, awe-inspiring, visual metaphor. Though less than one percent of today's population volunteers for our armed forces, a much smaller percentage bears the brunt of combat. All over the world, our national treasure of men and women put themselves on the edge of ever-flowing hate, aggression and those who wish to do us outright harm.
John and Travis stood up for freedom. They stood up to protect our liberty. Like those very, very few seeds of destiny, John and Travis will forever be memorialized as two Bedford High School students who answered the call and fought for our freedom, who like giant, strong, maple trees stood against the winds of war. We will remember them, their action of bravery, their unspoken oath of loyalty to their brothers in arms and their selfless sacrifice with their very lives.
Look around you: grave markers from many wars illustrate that "freedom isn’t free." These markers and monuments, under a canopy of spring-colored leaves, passively remind us of sacrifice, usually brought to people's attention on days like today.
We've all driven over bridges in the past, which helped take you over some impassable terrain. A physical bridge physically ties one piece of land to another. We are also able to mentally or emotionally "bridge a gap" in our hearts and minds. In the past, we've driven at speed only to catch a glimpse of a captain, sergeant, corporal or private's name on an impersonal sign or plaque; however, I know my future crossings over the Concord River while driving down Carlisle Road will forever be anything but impersonal.
That bridge will always now tie me to the memories of those two brave, gallant men, those heroes, those strong, patriotic men who answered their country's call; those two and thousands upon thousands other Johns & Travises who selflessly sacrificed their lives for us.
It's fitting on Memorial Day to reflect, to honor and to respect. We're pretty fortunate for the many blessings we've been given. We won't have to wait until next year though to show our appreciation. Take a ride over that bridge, physically or mentally, and remember to reflect, honor and respect.
A friend of mine, remembering his lost comrades, doesn’t use the term “Happy Memorial Day," but he agrees with the sentiment. He urges us, as our fallen heroes would have wanted, to use the day to enjoy the freedoms for which others have paid the last full measure of devotion.
