Every Memorial Day I call, text, or email three friends of mine who are veterans and wish them a “good day.” And it always sounds hollow to me. But I can’t figure out what else to say. I can’t say “Happy Memorial Day,” because this is not a happy holiday. It’s a memorial for fallen warriors. Many people see it as that with their parades and BBQs, perhaps turning into a sort of celebration of life, maybe? But to the vets I know, it’s a day of mourning. A day of heavy drinking in an attempt to blot out the pain of losing friends. Brothers. Sisters. All gone.
Every Memorial Day I post a poem. I try for a new one each year but for some reason one I’ve already used is stuck in my head today, so I’m posting it again.
POEM BY MAJOR MICHAEL DAVIS O’DONNELL
WRITTEN ON JANUARY 1, 1970 AT DAK TO
Who died in a helicopter crash in Cambodia in March 1970If you are able, save them a place inside 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 as your own.And in that time that when men decide, and feel safe,
to call the war insane, take one moment,
to embrace these gentle heroes you left behind.
And I just thought of a greeting for my friends on this day. “Thinking of you and of your lost brothers and sisters today.”
Now please excuse me. I’ve got some phone calls to make.
