Remember Why We Celebrate Memorial Day
Gen. George S. Patton stated that ultimately, Americans should not give thanks that brave men and women were willing to die for their country. "Rather we should thank God that such men lived".

If you are able,
save for them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam

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