We Love Our Wing

Authored by: Stephen Ferguson

This year’s Wreaths Across America wreath laying event was especially solemn in the shadow of the horrific events unfolding in Connecticut. With information still being televised of this terrible tragedy, it was weighing heavy on all of our minds. As I wandered through the crowd taking pictures it was hard not to hear people whispering and talking about an unspeakable act of violence that took innocent children and their teachers from this earth. But we were there to pay respect for soldiers who have seen tragedy of their own. Personally, when I find myself in situations or places like this I tend to detach myself from others. I’m not trying to be disrespectful or unsociable, it’s just my own way of paying respect. I walked around the grave sites trying to imagine for myself what it was like to be in their shoes. A couple meetings ago, Bud had the group think about what it might be like to be a soldier in the trenches of war, and although I don’t recall his exact words the main point was “no soldier left behind” and as I walked through the cemetery I saw veterans that served in such wars as the Korean War, World War II, Vietnam, and even a few World War I veterans. At my age I can only imagine what it must’ve been like to be in some of the soldier’s shoes during these battles. Whether you were a front-line soldier or a supply clerk you were still separated from your family and your loved ones in a far-off distant country. It’s the same for our soldiers of today. We live in a free country, and these brave men and women served our country so we can enjoy that very freedom.

The ceremony started promptly at nine and was short but respectful. The weather even cooperated a little this day, it was cold but dry which, in December, always makes for a nicer event.

Once the ceremony was over it didn’t take long for the boxes of wreathes to be opened and distributed amongst the various graves. About 30 of our members and a couple of hundred other people distributed the wreaths amongst the numerous grave sites.

It seemed like no more that 10 or 15 minutes went by and all the boxes were empty. Every year you look out and wish every grave received a wreath, and maybe as the word spreads that just might happen some day. It wasn’t long after the boxes were empty people started to leave, hopefully with thoughtful respect still fresh in their hearts.

I know as long as our chapter is participating in this event I’ll come and pay my respects for one day I may be laid to rest in a place much like this one. I want to thank Judy and all the chapter members that make this happen.The following pictures are just a reflection of the day. Enjoy…

In closing, with fresh thought still in everyone’s minds of recent tragedies I though I’d pass on one thing that might brighten your day. If you like it, please feel free to pass it on. It was a post from a Facebook friend of mine and I find it very appropriate in light of recent events. Just copy and past the link provided and maybe have a few tissues handy.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/moments-that-restored-our-faith-in-humanity-this-y