http://www.time.com/time/picturesoftheweek/0,29409,1950092_2017278,00.html
Being a Sergeant 1st class, I have seen my fair share of flag-draped coffins. I will never get used to it. Tolerance would be the most accurate description of my state of mind. Conflict overseas has definitely had an effect on the number of brothers and sisters that receive this honor.
Who is it this time? Is this a male or female? Perhaps we were in boot camp together or served together on my last tour. Could it be Joseph Taylor? I remember not thinking that he was cut out for the military life back in boot, but to my surprise he ended up being a real asset to his company. Maybe it’s Heather Nash. She saved my life in Afghanistan. I didn’t think I was going to survive the explosion, but her selflessness in action got me out of the blast radius and behind cover. She was even able to suppress enemy fire while I fended off the effects of the detonation. Regardless, the person in this casket is somebody’s loved one.
It troubles me to have these thoughts, but it is difficult not to. I am honored to be a part of this man or women’s ceremony, but I would much rather be sharing life with them. Am I out of line having these thoughts? Am I going soft? I should be focused on my orders not on these trivial thoughts, but this is my fourth ceremony of this kind in the last month. I understand why so many see the honor in dying for their country, but should such a sacrifice have to be made in this day and age. Was the action and motive that took this life, necessary? What about all of the lives before? Some of the veterans think of this as the highest honor. I think of it as an honor that nobody wants to bear. Perhaps that is a difference between the generations. I guess it is pretty amazing to be immortalized within the history books.
As I suspected, there is media everywhere. (Keep your back straight soldier! Keep your chin up! Make this individuals family proud and for God’s sake don’t trip.) The flag perfectly adorns this warrior’s final place of rest. The patriotism is overwhelming as we march to the sounds of the bugler playing “Taps”. There is a sea of red, white, and blue that flickers in the wind. I think I will take a moment of silent reflection for another selfless act of one for the defense of millions.
Reichanadter, Jeri. "Coming Home." Photo. Time.com 21 Dec. 2009. 9 Feb. 2010
http://www.time.com/time/picturesoftheweek/0,29409,1950092_2017278,00.html
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