Two of my prized possessions are neatly folded American flags, one with 48 stars..the other with 50. The older was from the military funeral of my grandfather, Dr. E. B. Chenoweth, leader of a horse drawn field hospital in the Marne during WWI. The second is that of my dad's memorial service, who's official rank and duties were Warrant Office and Director of Army Bands during WWII, but whose other duties as a fluent German speaker behind the lines in Italy were rarely mentioned and were always delivered with tears, broken voice, and a "I'd rather not talk about this" finish...The very mention of Anzio around my father brought him to an unnatural silence.
There are three other names, two more Chenoweth's and a Megar, carved into the black wall of the Vietnam memorial...I claim these as relatives and friend even though I did not know them quite as well. The phone calls that began with "I regret to inform you..." are forever etched into my rememberances. They knew that I supported them even when my opinions on the war were not the same as theirs.
Today, I remember the legacy that these men left behind and am thankful for their service and sacrifice. I thank God that there are patriots among us who are willing to defend the rights of those who cannot or will not fight. I owe these men more than I could ever repay and I hope that I will always remember what they did in the cause of freedom. May they rest in the peace they sought to achieve and preserve.