Thank you Mark to you and your family for the Patriot Post, for your service and sacrifice, and for defending our liberty. Thank you!

Amen.

Such a wonderful tribute to those who served our great Nation.

Thank You and God Bless America.

Thank you for a very moving tribute; God Bless all of them, and God Bless America!

What a beautiful tribute to our veterans, both living and dead. Thank you. It's so sad that Obama and his minions don't understand this.

Thank you Mr. Alexander. Well said!

This Memorial Day weekend, if you see a veteran, make a point to simply shake his hand and say "Thank you". You'll notice them by what's on their baseball caps, t-shirts and/or license plates, or maybe the tatoo on their arm. They are proud, we should be proud of them and their fellow soldiers who didn't make it back. They gave up their tomorrows so that we and our children can enjoy ours. Remember them.

Be a Patriot and an American, and remember what we have and how we got it. Thanks Patriot Post for keeping us focused.

Thank you for posting these poignant and heartfelt words on the celebration of Memorial Day. They put into sharp "perspective" the actions and words of the current pretender to America's throne. May God have mercy on us all!

Thank you Mr. Alexander, for this most moving tribute to our veterans. May God continue to bless the all. Anytime you see a veteran,thank them for their this Memorial Day and EVERY DAY. President Obama and his underlings do not understand this.It is very sad. Pray for them also,They need it.

Honor, Duty, Country if only the entire U.S. Congress would live by that code. Mark thanks for reminding us why there is a Memorial Day.

God Bless the Troops past, present and future!!!

Mark, many thanks for yet again, a great essay. In recent times, we Americans have unfortunately come to see these days of Remembrance as mere days-off, TV-watching, beer-drinking, consumer sales events. Veteran's Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day have become dulled and tarnished because their significance is no longer taught, either in home or in schools.

Memorial Day 2002, I stood in line for hours at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, and cried unashamedly when I found the names of friends and bunkmates who had given their all.

Everyone should do that from time to time.

Thanks again. KEEP UP THE FIRE!

Thank you Mark, for this beautiful tribute to those who served. My husband served in WW11, our oldest son served in the Nzvy and another son served 20 years in the army. We are so fortunate to have all with us and I am very proud of each one. Thanks for the Patriot Post.

God Bless you Mr.Alexander, I always look forward to your well written Essays.Every American should read your moving tribute to our fallen heros....

God Bless you and the men & women of the Heritage Foundation!!!!

Thank you; for me and for those whose quiet voices can no longer say 'Thanks'. Having been one of them, I know they would appreciate your kind and caring words today.

Thanks for all you do to keep the spirit of patriotism alive in the proper priority of God and Faith first, family and country to follow.

I do not have anyone in my parents or even grandparents' immediate families who have served in the armed services but I've always held them in very high esteem for their duty and honor for our country and their unflinching stand to preserve ours and others' freedoms!

I recently went on a one week trip to our nation's Capital with my two sons and our Christian middle school. We went with a Christian tour group which really allowed us to explore and know the true history on which our country was founded. It was a whirlwind tour every day and we saw and heard many exciting things induding all the war memorials and Washington monument as well as Mt. Vernon and the Holocaust museum.

However, the most exciting and memorable part was our tour and time at Arlington National Cemetery. It was made even more so due to the fact that my oldest son, Lansing was selected as one of four in our school to participate in the placing of the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers! It was an incredibly moving experience. Along with this, I encountered 3 WWII veterans (along with 2 of them's wives) who were visiting the WWII memorial (2 of them for the first time) and I was able to sincerely, yet inadequately, thank them for their service while they were reverently taking in the memorial. These both will certainly add much more meaning to Memorial Day for our family!

Thanks again and God bless in Christ and God bless the USA and all our current service men and women and all those veterans who've gone before.

I am curious about the wording in the quote, to wit, "...the arms we have compelled by our enemies to assume..." Is this a typo, or was the original quote actually written as "we have compelled by"?

Mark, I read your In Memorium eulogy for all who have served our Nation in military service and their families who also bore the pain of separation and mourning. I had to stop about half way through as I remembered friends and family who had gone into battle and returned in body bags or wounded in body and/or spirit. I remembered my own feelings and those of my family as I left them to go to Vietnam. And I cried.

After a while, I returned to finish reading and I am glad that I did, for your words and those you quoted express my heart-felt sentiments far more eloquently than I am able to do. As I finished the paper, ttears welled in my eyes once again, as they have now and then over the years. God bless you, Mark. And God bless and watch over those Patriots now serving and the families who await their return.

Ron

Mark,

Thank you Mark for all your hard work and especially for today's essay, "In Memorium: American Patriots". It delivered a wonderful and emotionally moving tribute to all who have given their all to make our great country. And the reinforcing quotes by the founding fathers and subseqeuent great patriots were outstanding. However, while you clearly point out that Barack Hussein Obama is not to be confused with men of such valor, it was nonetheless a disservice to the those men to even make mention of our dishonorable "commander" in chief in the same essay.

Mark,

Thank you for those moving words and sentiments. True Americans will NEVER forget the sacrifices of the men and women who have fought and died for the Freedom that we enjoy. Though we have never personally known those who fought prior to WW I; many of us do know and have known those who have fought, suffered and died in all of the conflicts since.

For myself, I have known many, many men and women from my home town that went off to serve this great Nation. My father and his two brothers fought in WW II. My father lost a leg at Anzio, the youngest brother served in the Navy on the pickett destroyers off Okinawa (Kamikaze targets) and the middle brother (my namesake) was killed on 30 October 1945, coming Home. I also lost a cousin on an island called Iwo Jima in 1945.

Later, I was to know five men from the same outfit, Company C, 192nd Tank Batalion, who survived the Japanese hospitality in the Phillipines. In one our local cemeteries, there are many graves of our local heroes who never came home. There last duty station was the POW camp at Cabanatuan.

Memorial Day holds special meaning to me and my family. It is personal (as my father, too, has passed away in 2005); I shall NEVER FORGET. I will NEVER abide anyone failing to remember our fallen.

I am saddened by the thought of our current leadership attending solemn services at Arlington National Cemetery and giving false testimony to their thanks to the fallen. For, they are the greatest of hippocrites; they would sell our freedoms and our liberties for the smallest of prices: peace. They would sacifice all that has gone before them for the smallest of benefits: a worry-free existence. They would abandon all for the least important of all excuses; themselves - so that they can have luxury.

Honor, Duty, Country. That is how my father lived his life; his word was his bond. That is how I live my lfe; the manner in which my father taught me. That is what I taught our two sons and that is how they live their lives.

TO ALL OF MY FELLOW AMERICANS WHO ARE SERVING IN OUR ARMED FORCES:

KEEP YOUR HEADS ON A SWIVEL. CHECK YOUR SIX. DON'T LET YOUR BUTTONS GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR SEEKING COVER. THE AMERICAN PEOPLE LOVE YOU AND ADMIRE YOU. GOD SPEED.

Duke

Thank you Mr. Alexander from a Vet (during the Vietnam war). It was all that needed to be said. No greater soldier could have voiced those words, no greater tribute could be paid to those who served and fell.

Mark, as a veteran yourself, I don't think it's necessary to remind you that Memorial Day is in fact Sunday, May 30th. A presidential proclamation changing the dates of national holidays simply for the convenience of workers doesn't in MY mind excuse the disrespect it shows to the intent of the day. Memorial Day was and IS a day in which Americans should honor those brave souls who gave everything for their country - not to go to the mall to line the pockets of store owners more intent on cashing in on someone else's sacrifice.

I personally don't care about any proclamation. My flag flies proudly EVERY day, but it is on Sunday the 30th of May that at dawn I lower the flag to half staff and at noon once again raise it to the top of it's mast.

I too suffered a great loss on Memorial Day 4 years ago - my dearest friend - Marine Major Richard "Dick" Overman (aviation, attack/cas) passed on suddenly. This day has an extra meaning to me.

Mark,

I will treasure and share this wonderful e-mail, and fly my American flag again this year with pride and honor! I remember Pearl Harbor, and all the times since that our country stood up for our freedom and our rights. It sickens me to see "the prez' give his "crotch salute" to our glorious flag, and can only pray that he will be impeached soon! God Bless this great country, America, in which I so gratefully live with pride! Amen, Pat

THANK YOU;;;;I truly enjoyed reading this tribute to all our veterans, both the living and the dead. We must keep things like this going because I have this feeling that those in Washington (Obama & cohorts) could care less. I just get the impression from their demeanor, that they wish we would all cease to exist. CPO,USN,Ret.

The words of MacArthur moved me deeply, I had read snippets of this speech but never in it's entirety until today.

It is truly unforunate that our leaders of today, particularly our commander in chief, lack both the command of the English language and the values and morals to deliver such a speech.

My father is a vet and today he attended a "Recruit Military" job fair hoping to find some help for his business of the last 23 years. He is returning to the office with over 30 resumes, impressed by the men he met and their credentials. We hope to be able to hire at least a handful of them. I am grateful beyond measure for their service and sacrifice and look forward to working with them in my fathers business. I didn't have any son's, and I know that daughters serve as well, but I cannot thank their families enough for raising citizens willing to die for their country. I cannot imagine making such a sacrifice. I love this country and I love this day to honor those, like my father who have served this country proudly. God bless America.

Why has POTUS Obama decided not to go to Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day?

I also wish to honor the dead warriors, the Lord knows I have enough relatives buried in National Cemetaries to man a destroyer but your post would have been better appreciated if you had kept negative comment about our current Commander In Chief to your self. Any real patriot knows you don't have to wear a uniform to be a patriot. I consider it an honor to have served my country in war and I salute every Warrior who gave his life for this country.

AMERICA

FLY OUR AMERICAN FLAG PROUDLY ON MEMORIAL DAY.

AND REMEMBER ALL WHO GAVE THERE LIVES FOR THIS COUNTRY. THIS IS AMERICA AND WE HAVE TO STAND UP FOR IT. GOD BLESS THE USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

rember a minute of silence also.

Joan

I am thankful that such men lived and am grateful such men willingly paid the price for our freedom.

My family has fought and served in every conflict from the beginning of this great nation.

But

The battle for our liberty rages today. Our liberty is being assaulted by an enemy of our freedom from within. Now is the time for men and women to step forward to preserve the liberty our forefathers fought for and died to preserve.

Let us not let their sacrifice be in vain by letting our freedom be stolen by the pretenders that populate our present government.

Those who serve now are view by our left as dangerous potential domestic terrorists, weren’t we viewed in the same manner by King George III of England 235 years ago?

Let’s all go to the Ballot box November 2010 and see if we can avoid the cartridge box.

God Bless America

Thank you for this tribute. Those who give up their own freedoms in order for us to have ours is the greatest gift we can recieve, out done only by those who have given all for that self same freedom. I thank you for this tribute it reminds me why I served and why I am so proud of the people past, present, and future, who have served this cause of freedom.

Maybe someone can explain to me why it's 'served' instead of 'worked'. Is it something other than just statist propoganda?

Can we stop trashing Rand Paul for having an unpopular, no matter how correct, opinion of the CRA? I for one am tired of hearing one 'conservative' pundit after another write of Pauls poor choice in his willingness to state an honest opinion because of the author's fear that it will prevent Paul's election.

If a conservative must resort to the same sort of ruses used by progressive democrat politicians, especially in a conservative state such as Kentucky, then the country is already lost and we're wasting our time and effort.

Were I one of these pundits I would be hard pressed to advise any conservative pol to lie doggo, or simply lie whether by commission or ommission about his or her beliefs. Let's be honest here at least and state frankly that our government has no right to dictate to any business with whom it may or may not do business. Allowing government that ability is arguably the primary reason that we find ourselves in over regulated markets that do not aid our economy or even serve the ostensible purposes of the regulations.

Zac

That was not the complete "Duty, Honor, Country". That was only an excerpt. You could enjoy the entire speech by looking it up on the internet or by McArthur's "Reminisciences" (probably spelled wrong). In the back of the book is the complete speech. I personally think it should be required reading in HS and beyond. It is one of my favorite speeches of all time. It speaks as a patriot speaks.

As a former Vietnam "brown water Navy" sailor who cries every time our flag is folded and given to a family; I would like to see that same honor awarded to the families of the US Merchant Marine.

FYI:

U.S. Merchant Marine Casualties during World War II

Mariners suffered the highest rate of casualties of any service in World War II, but unfortunately, the U.S. Merchant Marine had no official historians and researchers, thus casualty statistics vary. Revised 08/26/06

Mariners died "direct result of enemy action or as POW on American flag ships" according to U.S. Coast Guard, 1950 (excluded Army Transport and U.S. owned foreign flag ships) 5,662

Mariners died compiled by Captain Arthur Moore ("Careless Word" 1998 edition) 6,847

Mariners died compiled by www.USMM.org 8,421^

^Additional 1,100 died of wounds later according to testimony before Congress.

Comparison of Merchant Marine casualty rate to other services

How many U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Army Transport Service casualties were there in World War II? We may never know the exact count, because the U.S. government never kept accurate records as it did for other services. The best previous accounting has been by Captain Arthur R. Moore, an independent researcher, in his great work, A Careless Word -- a Needless Sinking: A History of the Staggering Losses Suffered by the U.S. Merchant Marine, both in Ships and Personnel, during World War II, American Merchant Marine Museum, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y., 1983 to 1998. Captain Moore's book lists approx. 990 ships. www.usmm.org list includes 1,600 ships.

Service Number serving War Dead Percent Ratio

Merchant Marine 243,000* 9,521** 3.90% 1 in 26

Marines 669,108 19,733 2.94%

1 in 34

Army 11,268,000 234,874 2.08%

1 in 48

Navy 4,183,466 36,958 0.88%

1 in 114

Coast Guard 242,093 574 0.24%

1 in 421

Total 16,576,667 295,790 1.78%

1 in 56

*Number varies by source and ranges from 215,000 to 285,000. War Shipping Administration Press Release 2514, January 1, 1946, lists 243,000

**Total killed at sea, POW killed, plus died from wounds ashore.

As an Air Force guy who "fought from the edges" during the Vietnam War, the rescue attempts for the hostages in Tehran, Iran and the Gulf War - and some lesser actions, I get maudlin and misty-eyed every time I visit a national cemetery and see row after row after row of headstones marking the resting place of a veteran. Visiting the World War II American Cemetery in Luxembourg, Arlington National Cemetery or Gettysburg was/is tough - there seems to be an infinite number of graves in neat, orderly rows. So many dead. It is especially difficult when I happen upon a marker for someone (or even an entire group of them) who was killed in action or died of their wounds - Luxembourg and Gettysburg again and, to a slightly lesser extent, Arlington. Every year at this time I wonder if I could have measured up to these fine men and women. I'll probably never know but I still say a sincere and silent "Thank you" to each of them

Mr. Alexander,

Thank you so much for the great efforts you have taken to express your heart and your gift of honoring the soldiers of this great country. My father was a two-tour Vietnam Veteran who is now resting in Arlington National Cemetery. I'm in tears as I write this. I'm so thankful for those like yourself who take the time, on a daily basis, to remember and honor the greatest soldiers known to mankind. I miss my dad so much. His death is a documented case of leukemia via agent orange. He wasn't able to see me grow up to be the man that he and my mom raised me to be. Didn't get to be the best man at my wedding, or celebrate the birth of my four children. All the milestones that I get to endure with my family as my kids grow are bittersweet, because he's not here to experience them first-hand.

I never go a day without thinking of my father and the men and women who have fought so hard for our freedom and the liberty of other countries. I know that there are stories ever more heart-gripping than mine, so every time I see a soldier or veteran, I well-up with tears and pride for them and their families.

Thank you so much. I pray that God continues to bless you with the gift of honoring the American Soldier. And I pray that God blesses you and your family for generations to come.

What a lovely Memorium to all who have served in our military over the years. How wonderful to have people who still respect these fallen heroes and not choose the path our president has taken on this Memorial Day - that of returning home to Chicago as he has promised to do every six weeks or so. I am sure that these military men and women would have liked to had the opportunity to have had that choice with no feeling of duty, honor or country either.

Three questions:

1. How does inclusion of comments relative to BHO

advance the in memoriam purpose?

2. What language in he West Point speech justifies

the statement that the occasion of the speech was

used to "dress of )(Obama's) strategy of appease-

ment?"

3. Where can one find detailed information relative

to the "mission of service to the armed forces?"

adrian

I feel it is very disrespectful and antagonistic of the people who are organizing nationwide protests about the crackdown on illegal aliens in Arizona to be conducted on Memorial Day. Granted, Memorial Day was formerly Decoration Day to honor the veterans of the Civil War. That was later changed to Memorial Day to honor all the veterans who were killed or died while on duty in the military. This is a day that until recently was marked by patriotic displays, music, and parades, followed by the decoration of the graves of veterans with a flag.

Now we have people,, the vast majority of whom are very likely here illegally, protesting against our governments for requiring compliance with National and State regulations. This is a slap in the face of the veterans who have protected the rights of speech and assembly through all the years of our Republic. Most of these individuals have no right whatsoever to protest against our immigration and naturalization laws because they are uninvited intruders. To those invaders of Mexican heritage, you expect us to grant you rights that no one else can gain in your own country. I say to you: go home. Take your ill gotten gains with you but go home. If you like this country so well, get in line like almost all the other immigrants did, and go through the same hoops they had to hop.

God Bless America and the military that protects her.

Due to reasons beyond my control I was never in the service of our country. I have,however, always had the utmost respect for those who did and do serve. As we approach another Memorial Day words are inadequate to express the gratitude for the price they paid for our freedom. My prayer is that God grant each family of a fallen patriot peace and help them to understand that their loved one paid the ultimate price for a just reason. God bless America.

Great, great Memorial Day essay. Thank you.

Thank you for your tireless work and unflagged support of freedom. I've served this nation and was trained to do what I was never called upon to do: fire a shot in anger. I thank God for this, but as many others, I see a time coming where we'll have to meekly serve as slaves or draw a line in the sand as our Founders and take up arms in defense of our God-given freedom.

This horrible choice looms on the horizon; however, I do not see it addressed in any forum or media.

Your thoughts appreciated. Thank you and take care.

Bob Burdick

I have a cousin who lives less than 3 miles from me. He lied about his age ( his mother backed him ) to get in the Navy during WWII. He served almost 30 years, therefore he is a veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, just to name the main things in his career. He was on ships that sunk, even one in the Mede in peace ( Cold War ) time. I have known him my entire life and even had the pleasure to drink a FEW with him in Gitmo. in 1960. He was on the Valley Forge and I was on a minesweeper. He retired before I did and I respect him to no end. I visit him as often as I can, because he is not in the best of health ( service connected ), but then neither am I. I HONOR his and every VETERAN'S service to our country. CPO,USN,Ret.

I applaud the sentiment expressed in this article and I do agree that much of the reverence about the sacrifices made my our military men and women has been lost in "modern times" and should be revived again.

I do take issue with statements such as:

In this era, however, our "progressive" academic institutions choose not to teach genuine history or civics. Consequently, many Americans have no sense of reverence or obligation for the liberty they enjoy. Indeed, many will "celebrate" Memorial Day as any other holiday, with barbecues, beer, and commercial sales at local malls. Simply put, they have sold out Memorial Day.

As long as we as a Nation strive to find a "bogie man" or blame one institution or one political party or one group of people be it because of race, ethnicity, where they live or what their religion is then we will continue to do a disservice to America.

One of the truly amazing thing about this country, the country all those brave people died to defend, is its ability to celebrate diversity, communicate differing views and communicate directly (and most especially) with those whose views differ with our own.

In the end the "progressive academic institutions" are US !!

Let's agree to make every effort to keep our political and social discourse civil, reasonable and factual. Blaming all the things wrong with today's lackadaisical attitude toward memorializing the heroes who've gone before on one thing, be it an individual or an institution, is wrong - plain and simple - wrong and detrimental to encouraging an honest exchange of ideas.

The writer makes excellent points but he should be a true Patriot, not a Patriot of the right, left or center and certainly a Patriot of ALL of America.

In response to Ken, served vs worked. Veterans serve their country because it's their country. The pay is not enough to count as work. It's not a job. For most of us who have served it's a continuing way of life. Go back a few years, A very famous President once said "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". I continue to serve through the American Legion providing help to veterans and their families. It is my pleasure to serve. My life has been changed through service and the change is for the better. I ride with the American Legion Riders, Post 629 Camilla, Tx. Across my back are the words "For God and Country". We serve, because that's who we are.

This weekend is about those who serve. One weekend a year to say thanks to the men and women who have served up to and including giving thier lives to ensure that we live in a free country. Doesn't seem like much when you compare it to some of the other "holidays".

Hi Mark

Very good article.

I will be performing on my pipes at the Virginia Renaissance Faire this weekend, and I'm happy to report that they will be observing Memorial Day. Admission is free this weekend to any active, reserve or retired military with ID, and they will have a moment of silence at noon, with the trumpeter playing Taps. I will be incorporating patriotic tunes into my sets - I have a World War I set, a George M. Cohan set, and a set of the Military anthems. They will also be thanking the troops at the pub sing, followed by my playing "Amazing Grace."

Chris Upton

I sincerely support the recognition and honor our brave men and women who have fought for our Country since our beginning. Anyone who feels otherwise should return to their own Country...BG

Thank you for your gracious words on this subject. My father served in the peace time Air Force in Europe post WWII, an uncle served in Korea, my brother-in-law served in Nam, my brother and I both served in the Navy (17 and 14 years respectively). I work in a VA hospital now. During my last few years in the Navy, I had the honor of writing speeches for my CO to give at Memorial Day services and the honor of being in one parade. I also had the special opportunity to help honor a group of Korean vets who were belatedly getting their medals for service. On Monday, I will proudly take my youngest grandson to his first Memorial Day parade, wearing my veteran hat with pride. Some years ago, I was in Mildenhall, England for a few days, and saw the veterans memorial at the local cemetary. I was profoundly moved by the sentiment on it "They gave their all for God and Country." It is so true. I thank all those who served before me, who are serving today, and who may be so fortunate as to servie in the future. God bless them all.

Memorial Day 2010

Pineslope Cemetery

Belle Fourche, SD

To Commander Harold Brost and all who are here today, I am honored and privileged and humbled to be considered to say a few “appropriate remarks.” I pray that God guides my words and allows them to do justice to those who have served our country. I offer my remarks not only to all who have served our Nation’s military, but to all who have lost family and loved ones.

I believe that suffering is the one thread that unites all of humanity. By being here today we acknowledge the Cross we bear.

I love history. Winston Churchill often quipped, “Politics is worse than war. In war you die but once. In politics you die a thousand times.” Although this was meant to humor, Sir Winston knew the realties of war, having fought in two, and became a prisoner in one and was the “Lion that Roared” to keep the world free in World War II.

But the reality of our history as a nation and war is stark compared to politics; In Korea we had 33,600 casualties; Vietnam-58,209 and counting.

In the Civil War, numbers of Blue and Grey were staggering; Chickamauga, 34,624 killed or wounded in 2 days of fighting; In 5 days at Chancellorsville we suffered 30,099 killed or wounded; In a half an hour there were 7,000 killed or wounded at Cold Harbor; In three days at a little crossroads town in Pennsylvania there were 51,112 killed or wounded and at Antietam in one long day we suffered 26,134 men killed or wounded, the largest one day total in U. S. history.

But World War I put the “Civil War” numbers to shame. During the Battle of the Marne in 19 days of July and August of 1918 the Allies lost 120,000 men.

At the Battle of the Somme in July -November 1916, the Allies lost 60,000 men - on the first day of battle; 620,000 overall. In the first week of this battle the Germans fired 1,738,000 artillery shells at Allied forces. This equates to 172 shells a minute for an entire week straight! “Horrific” is the only word I can think to describe the “War to end all Wars.”

Generations were swept from the field.

But the greatest casualty figure that affects a community is when that casualty is a son. For our little community and the Vietnam War the number is “1.” And that number had a name-Soldier LeLund Kahler. On April 8, 1969 the Vietnam War was brought home to the “Center of the Nation,” when one bullet, from one sniper, killed one soldier.

I never knew LeLund Kahler but I knew his mother, Joyce, as my 5th grade teacher in 1967. I knew her husband Henry, from a well kept distance, as the Director of Maintenance for the Belle Fourche School system all of my days as a student. I had the good fortune to meet LeLund’s sister LaNyce, last summer when she and her mother returned to Belle Fourche.

In the spring of 1969 I was finishing 7th grade. The New York Jets upset my Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in the week that the Daily Post ran a story of Soldier LeLund Kahler being decorated with “The Army Commendation Medal with a “V” for Valor when he ran down a Viet Cong soldier who had played dead during a firefight. Soldier Kahler effectively “eliminated the enemy soldier.”

My grandparents were celebrating their 50th anniversary on the day that LeLund returned to duty after 18 days recovering from injuries suffered from a hand grenade. 19 days later Sergeant LeLund Kahler would die from small arms sniper fire as he led a squad across a river. His squad would recover his body from the river two days later.

At the end of the school year the Kahler’s would donate a lighted model of the universe for the Jr. High. The planets would rotate and revolve according to their heavenly position. In July, on my 13th birthday our nation would land man on the moon and bring them safely home.

It’s strange that I can recall the events of my life then, but I never knew of the sacrifice of LeLund Kahler until I heard rumors of something tragic when I was in High School in the early 70’s.

Although that mystery was enticing, I was too self centered and self absorbed to pay attention and follow my instincts to learn more. Maybe now I understand more of the gruff nature of Henry Kahler. It must be hard to understand the long haired youth of that time when your only son was killed in a controversial war. I think of my schoolmates then who were the same as me; unconcerned and uncaring about the world. It was all about us.

Ignorance is not bliss-it is ignorance.

Thinking of what the Kahler’s lost and what we had, makes me wish now I had the opportunity to go up to them and say “I’m Sorry for your loss.” Having lost a son ourselves, I know the value of the Human Touch in times like this. In talking to LaNyce she reflected on missing having a brother around. She mentioned how LeLund’s death broke her dad’s heart.

There is collateral damage from war thousands of miles from the killing that lasts for years.

Somewhere in time, with the aid of technology, I learned of the sacrifice of Soldier LeLund Kahler. Through the years I have studied him from a distance because LeLund Kahler affected my life.

Ten years ago I finally visited Washington D.C. and was able to experience “The Wall.” I found two monuments when I visited. One made of granite, the other made of living flesh of those veterans still suffering from the effects of war.

It is a beautiful area that is complimented by the Lincoln Memorial and Korean War Memorial and the World War II Memorial that honors the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen and makes noble our cause for freedom.

I found Soldier Kahler’s name on the wall-Panel 27 West, Line 39. I had two etchings made of his name. His information sheet reads as follows:

LE LUND MORRIS KAHLER

SGT - E5 - Army - Selective Service

9th Infantry Division

Length of service 1 years

His tour began on Aug 18, 1968

Casualty was on Apr 8, 1969

In DINH TUONG, SOUTH VIETNAM

HOSTILE, GROUND CASUALTY

GUN, SMALL ARMS FIRE

Body was recovered

I realized then I know of LeLund Kahler. But did I know who he was?

He was born December 3, 1947 in Burke, SD. When they moved to Belle Fourche they lived on Roberts Street, across the alley to the south of his friend, Mick Beardsley.

He was tall and dark and cute even from the first grade. When other boys would spin the merry-go-round he would slow it so the girls wouldn’t hurt themselves. It seemed he had a genuine concern for others and even jumped into Orman to rescue a skier in a dangerous situation. But he was still a “Kid” and managed to get in trouble in Math class.

He was baptized and Confirmed in the Lutheran Church and on occasion, because he was always prepared, would help other kids with their Sunday school lessons. His graduating class of 1966 says, “You were honest, sincere, trusting and kind; a big brother to many and a bodyguard to those who needed his strength and protection.”

As LeLund grew he must have been a good athlete as he was an All-State Tight End in Class AA Football when Belle Fourche was classified with the Sioux Falls Schools and other large communities in the State. In basketball he was a tough 5’11” power forward who was essential to the great basketball teams of our storied past.

His dad would take him down to the Round Up grounds to run in the summer. LeLund wanted to be good at what he did. He was like a bull in athletics.

He had many friends across all walks of life. One person described him as the “best man of the Class of 1966.” Another said he was “a true friend.” But the most poignant comment was, “He was a man.” This is quite a comment for a young man who never made it to his 22nd birthday.

But what his friends valued most was that he “was a friend for life.” Even beyond high school this general opinion was held by those who knew LeLund.

After graduation he attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion for one year. He didn’t do well with his grades and LaNyce stated that she felt he was finding himself, as all young men must do. He was drafted into the military on March 21, 1968 and went overseas on August 18.

His Mom said “LeLund would write home often but each letter would be brief.” Some of his friends still have his letters that he wrote from the other side of the world. Joyce Kahler said LeLund believed in the cause that he was fighting for. It is obvious his heart longed for home.

Soldier Kahler earned 18 specific medals. The majority of them while in Vietnam, many posthumously. They include:

The Silver Star; Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts; The Air Medal; The Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters; The Combat Infantry Badge; Army Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and a “V”; Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Leaf and Star; Vietnam Combat Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Sharpshooter Badge; Marksmanship Badge; National Defense Medal;

The following is the Silver Star citation:

“Sgt. Kahler distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions while serving as the Squad Leader with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry on a reconnaissance in force mission in Dung Tuong Province. After his platoon came under intense fire from a well entrenched enemy force, Sgt. Kahler crawled across more than 75 meters of fire swept terrain and took up an exposed position to effectively engage the enemy. Later during the action he moved a wounded comrade to safety and directed a heavy volume of suppressive fire at the hostile emplacements. His valiant actions played a vital role in routing the enemy force.”

This would all soon come to an end.

On April 8, Soldier Kahler was on a recon mission with his platoon and crossing a river in Sampans. John Miller, who served with LeLund, shared this with me:

“We were crossing a river in Sampans; LeLund was in the middle of the pack. Some of these Sampans are very crude and it takes a great deal of balance to keep them up right.

My guess on why he was singled out would be that for some reason, that day, he wanted to carry MY M60 Machine gun, a favorite target of our enemy. As you can see he was where I was suppose to be. When Le was hit his upper body weight, aided by his combat gear, would have toppled him out very easily. I didn't see the actual impact, only him falling into the water.

Most everyone on the water bailed out of their respective Sampans but held on, using them as cover. Due to our heavy weight with our gear if you let go you would sink rather quickly. His body was recovered on the second day of our search; it looked like he had a faint smile on his face.”

I can only tell you what I remember about Lee, he was a very good soldier, and dedicated to looking out for his friends. I found he was far softer then his exterior showed. We laughed, cried and quietly reflected on our days while in country. I will always remember my friend with a smile and great reverence.”

As you can see, Soldier Kahler was singled out by the sniper because he offered to carry his friends M60 machine gun.

The recovery of his body, the trip home from the other side of the world, the services and burial for Soldier Kahler, a beautiful Eulogy in our local paper, all would be over within 10 days of his death. As Cathy and I know, as well as you do, when you bury a loved one, most people go home to the life they left after the burial. But for the family - you walk into a house and sit at a table with an empty chair that will never be filled.

Politics really isn’t worse than War.

I would imagine when you lose a son or a daughter in war, the question always returns: “How did their dying help our world move forward?” In these times the silence of God must be deafening. The only comfort to a faithful Lutheran Family must have been in knowing God sent his Son to die for others in the “Real War to End all Wars.”

In the World War II movie, “Saving Private Ryan” Captain Miller suffers a fatal wound and his final words are spoken to Private Ryan. Captain Miller says to Ryan, “Earn this.” The movie then pans 50 years later to an older Mr. Ryan with wife and grandkids in tow as they find Captain Miller’s grave above Omaha Beach. His family doesn’t understand his emotion as he falls to his knees at the grave. But what we see is that he has “earned this.” A wife, beautiful children and grandchildren and success at whatever work he did was obvious. It is quite moving.

I have sat and pondered why Soldier LeLund Kahler was so important to me. I visited his grave at the National Cemetery. I realized how the casual history of a man I never met should impact everyone in this community.

I recall the stirring words in the entryway of the Ft. Meade hospital; “The Price of Freedom is Visible Here.” And so it is. But I ask myself, “As a man who was never called to serve, what have I “Earned” to answer the question, “How did LeLund Kahler’s death move the world forward?” What can we do to acknowledge their service and sacrifice?

In a word it’s called Citizenship.

Although some are called to give all, we are all called to give. The most important gift we have to offer is our life in sacrifice for others. We may not be called to suffer and die a single death on a far away battlefield. But we are called to suffer one of a “thousand deaths” as a good spouse, as good parents, as good kids, as good neighbors, as good employees and employers, as leaders in our community who sacrificially offer our time, treasure and talent “to move the world forward.”

We can become owners of the most important political seat-that of the informed Voter. We can open our minds and our hearts to Civil Debate that leads us to the truth and what is best for the greater good of the people. We can serve as members of our City, County and State legislative boards or as volunteers in our community and schools and fire departments. We can serve in our nursing homes and hundreds of other areas of need.

We can renew our relationship with God, go to Church and pray.

It is imperative that we return to our American Citizenship that defines us. We as a community should emphasize in our schools the value of Citizenship. Civics and Government classes must be taught as a priority and may be the most important class taught in our schools today!

If we choose to sacrifice and volunteer in our little community, we become involved in the cause that LeLund Kahler felt was worth fighting for.

Then we can say Our Soldier did not die in vain. Then we can, as Scripture says, “Choose Life.” And it is an eternal life with no more pain or suffering.

The sacrifices of 234 years of our fellow Americans have allowed Cathy and me the freedom to live and grow in our hometown; to marry and raise a family and to serve our community to the best of our ability. The sacrifice of the Kahler Family and of all families who have suffered to keep our nation free is not lost in our home.

So I ask each of us today, in the Center of A Great Nation, that when we leave this Cemetery, this Ground that Christ made Holy, that we consider and pray and give thanks to God for the gift of our Freedom that comes from only Him. That we recognize and give thanks for the Sacrifice of LeLund Kahler and his family and all those who have served, and that we pray in gratitude when we remember those we love that are buried here.

And as Abraham Lincoln stated in his “few appropriate remarks”: “that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

May God Almighty bless you; bless our town and our Nation. And may we all give thanks to the Kahler family and LeLund Kahler for whom these words are dedicated.

Thank you….

Clark Sowers

NOTES:

To fallen soldiers let us sing,

Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing,

Our broken brothers let us bring

To the Mansions of the Lord

No more weeping,

No more fight,

No friends bleeding through the night,

Just Devine embrace,

Eternal light,

In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry

And no children weep,

We shall stand and guard

Though the angels sleep,

Oh, through the ages let us keep

The Mansions of the Lord

Mr Sowers,

Thank you for honoring Lee in this way, I cant think of anyone more deserving!

Sincerely,

John Miller, Sgt

Delta Company

Fire Support Base Schroeder

2nd Battalion 39th Infantry

9th Infantry Division

Dong Tam, Vietnam

The Captain of our Salvation bless the USA. In Australia, we celebrate on 25th April, our ANZAC Day. It is a public holiday, but it is being eroded too like your Memorial Day. Fortunately there is n o ground swell to support this erosion in teh general populace. In fact, our youth are becoming more and more inquisitive. Many people make the pilgrimage to ANZAC Cove in Turkey to celebrate this day. Others now are starting to visit the battle fields of the Western Front of WWI for memorial services. There is a constant stream of all ages walking the Kokoda Track in PNG at all times of the year. And our people are now starting to attend memorial services along the infamous Burma railway where many Allied POWs died during WWII. We continue to celebrate the Battle of the Coral Sea. Our national government supports all these activities. But for how long? The creep is on to damp down the desire to commemorate those who served.

At our memorial service we continue to say those words based in Deuteronomy 6:12, "Lest we forget."

Most people think its about not forgetting the sacrifice of service personel. It is about not forgetting the LORD who, through their sacrifice, has delivered us from tyranny .

Lest we forget.

God Bless Our Troops, Past, Present, (and heaven forbid) Future and God Bless America!!!