Two holidays

It might surprise you, or it may not, but my answer was formed after my separation from service on September 19, 1996. Yes, there needs to be more unintended confusion about both holidays. From this veteran’s perspective, it is easy to see how confusion still exists. To me, Memorial Day has been a much more somber day. I’ve never been to Arlington for the services, but after watching them, I must say that the atmosphere is much more focused on the ultimate sacrifice. Something must be said to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers and the Honor Guard walking the post. Very measured. Deliberate. Exacting and precise. No words are heard. There are no sounds except for the heels clicking as the sentry stops, pauses, and begins. The sound would remind some Veterans of the report of a single rifle shot. Crisp. A sure quiet blankets the Cemetery, comforting and consoling the dead as they rest beneath the green grass, with a simple white stone at the head. These hallowed spots are decorated to honor the fallen and for the families to show their undying love. Memorial Day is to remember and reflect on the service and mission completed.

Veteran’s Day is, for me, the public acknowledgment of the service of those who chose to wear the uniform, to stand ready, to be prepared, and for some, to be called to defend the very freedoms enjoyed by so many. These were and are the ones who are here with us today. They are part of a community, a family with loyalty, fidelity, and a sense of more remarkable service. They are publically acknowledged but one day a year. Parades, high school marching bands, and veteran groups from the town and county perhaps collectively remind us, especially those who have not served, that we sacrificed our time, our families to support this country, and our fragile yet resilient democracy.

When I enlisted on January 4, 1984, it was out of a sense of duty to the neighbors next door and those in other states. What could I do? Germany was still divided: East and West. The Berlin Wall still cut an ugly scar across the German land, dividing based on political and ideological distinctions, nothing else. I have a picture that I took when I was in Germany, West Germany: the border, with the distinctive dead zones, the barbed wire fences, and on the other side, the Eastern side, a guard tower with reflective windows, standing as a sentry, waiting and protecting.

Being assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood was another moment that made me keenly aware of the importance of service. I was assigned to the 1st Squadron of the 7th U. S. Cavalry Regiment—George Armstrong Custer’s unit. The black stetson I wear at Veteran’s Day parades is easily recognizable. When other Veterans see the stetson, they know the unit, the history, and the passion. Whether the other Vet served in Korea or Vietnam, a quick salute and thumbs up connects us as brothers.

I share those stories to show that Veteran’s Day gives me opportunities to connect with or perhaps reconnect with my band of brothers. We acknowledge each other’s service, share some stories, and are part of the team. While there may be tears shed learning about a brother or sister’s death, we keep their memories alive.

For me, Memorial Day is associated with the final resting place, at the gravesite. Memorials are tangible reminders of a past. Veteran’s Day celebrates, honors and recognizes the living. Memorial Day has a single story of past events, with variations from time, space, and proximity tto the deceased. Veteran’s Day stories are living vignettes and are told by their author, the veteran. Two separate holidays. Both honoring veterans.

Author: dpeter19

Realizing that each day is a singular event or part of the connections from birth to death. How do we connect with each other? How do we connect to our past, both individual and collective? And the sharing of our stories - the connective fiber - brings us to a closer connection. These are my stories. They connect my days. View all posts by dpeter19