Memorial Day (repost from last year) Updated

Ten months ago I was at

Fort Benning, Georgia.

Home of the Infantry.

July 24, 2008 was one of the

Best Days of my life.

That day, I had the Honor

of placing the Infantry Blue Cord

on my son's right shoulder.

The next day was Graduation.

I honestly do not remember

if they marched in

in silence,

or if there was music playing.

One hundred seventy-seven young men

marched in.

One hundred seventy-seven young men

trained as warriors.

The best trained warriors in the world.

Their Creed:

I will not accept defeat.

I will Always remember
that there was music playing

When the Strikers

rolled in.

B-B-B-BAD TO THE BONE.

B-B-B-BAD TO THE BONE.

Blaring so loudly with so much bass,

I could feel it rattle in my chest.

My heart was in my throat,

It brought me to tears with pride,

not only in my son,

but in every mother's son....

for I fully understood what they had conquered

to bring them to this day.

Family and Friends of the Graduating Soldiers,

Thank you very much for supporting these outstanding soldiers graduating today. Your commitment has made a difference in their lives as it will for years to come as we continue to defeat the enemies of our Nation. They are American Soldiers now and a part of a team that always accomplishes the mission, never quits, never accepts defeat, and never leaves a fallen comrade behind.

Basic Combat Training is an extremely rigorous, demanding, and proven process that transforms dedicated volunteers into proficient Soldiers. With a program of instruction designed to meet the needs of our 21st Century Army, the training focuses on developing a highly-motivated, physically-fit, and disciplined Soldier who possesses expertise in an extensive set of basic combat skills and has committed himself to the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

When called, the Army has never let the Nation down. We will continue to prevail as we pursue military objectives in the Global War on Terror. These victories are not won by technology, but the by the sweat and toil and perseverance of the American Soldier. He is well trained, led and equipped, and he has the tremendous support of his Family, friends, and Nation. He has the confidence and competence to accomplish the mission.

Michael T. Hibbs, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army, Brigade Command Sergeant Major

As I watched one hundred seventy-seven
of America's finest young men march out,
I thought about where they would be going.
They were fully aware of where they were going
when they voluntarily enlisted in the Infantry.
I realized some of these beautiful young men
marching in front of me
would come home in a Flag.

This week, one of them will.
That it is not my son gives me little comfort,
for his mother was there that day in Georgia,
and he served with my son with the 1st Cavalry.

"The patriot's blood is the seed of freedom's tree"

Thomas Campbell

Let Us Pray

Addendum: My son is back on American Soil after 12 months in Iraq, breathing time until the next deployment, which will come soon enough. I pray for the families of the battle buddies he lost there and I fully remember their complete belief in what they were fighting for. Unshakable belief.  In gratitude for their ultimate sacrifice to ensure our

American Way of Life,

I CHOOSE TO LIVE LIFE SPLENDIDLY.