The following was a message spoken at a Veterans Day ceremony by an old U.S. Marine Corps veteran as a legacy to the younger generation. To me, an old Korean War veteran, the message was loud and clear.
“The mournful sound of Taps echoes over the hills as the twilight is fading in the valleys. The lengthening shadows symbolize the passing of our generation. Sadly now, the mathematics of time is doing to us what the armies of Germany, Japan, North Korean and Vietnam were never able to do. We, in our youthful strength and exuberance of long ago, are marching slower now, dropping out of formation as our ranks are thinning. Our ranks are slipping away as we cling to our memories and the camaraderie forged in the distant heat and turmoil of battlefields long ago.
“To you of the younger generations, we pass on our torch, the torch fueled with ideals of freedom which made our country so great. For us, no price was too high, no struggle too difficult to overcome the tyranny of hate and oppression. And succeed we did. The world has indeed profited from our sacrifices. Our fallen have not died in vain, and the legacy they left us shall live on.
“The shadows stretch far, deepening into the gathering twilight as our mighty generation gradually disperses to its final assembly. Long after we have vanished, you who have been born later will live on in the brightness bequeathed to you. This legacy of integrity, duty and honor shall forever be a part of the fabric that shapes our great nation. No government, no country, no civilization can fail with this enduring legacy we leave to you.
“No, our fallen have not died in vain and we, the comrades of those fallen heroes, have carried on the ideals as Taps is sounding for us. The torch is passed to you. May it burn as brightly for you as it has for us!”
P.S. Readers, whether you are male or female, young or old, you don’t have to be a U.S. veteran to get the message of this great country.
— — —
Bob is a retired AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans) agent, currently working on his master’s degree in Volunteering. His wife, Genie, is a retired RN, currently working on her doctor’s degree in Volunteering. They have two children, Deb in North Carolina, and Dan in Vermont. Bob says if you enjoy his column, let him know. If you don’t enjoy it, keep on reading, it can get worse. Words of wisdom: There is always room for God.