Kirk L. Miller

Memorial Day brings somber respect for the soldiers who have left this earth after their service. We all pay high regard to these brave men and women. In most places around the country their graves are adorned with honor by the placing of American flags and colorful bouquets of flowers. In parks and at veterans’ posts stories are read, and ceremonies acknowledge the dead.

We tell the stories of the heroism that led to the serviceman’s death. Some stories are of great tragedy and the soldier’s endurance. In other places there might be parades, with music and great fanfare.

Politicians will boast of their personal concerns for the nation or town while expressing the need or reason for the soldier’s commitment. In all cases the sentiment is heartfelt and most sincere. The facts that some of these men and women in uniform had stepped forward in battle and did not return becomes a tearful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy.

Many more who wore the olive drab or various camouflage perhaps they sailed the global seas and did return and at their death placed them in the same hallowed ground. Whispers may be heard from their comrades still living that they will meet again in Valhalla, a mythical place reserved for warriors since the world was created. In that place they will stay for eternity on sacred soil, reaping the spoils of their life on earth and their fierceness in battle.

All that we do to honor the souls beneath the grass is just and good. To make such a gesture says a great deal about your character. In the American Legion, the Legionnaires along with the Sons and even the members of the Auxiliary will spend hours at cemeteries planting flags on the graves of veterans now gone. They will prepare the ceremonies and schedule lunches and dinners. It will begin solemn and discreet. All honor will be made for the fallen.

There is still a group that we sometimes leave out. Not that they are forgotten but their group is sometimes misplaced. It is the Gold Star Families that I have referenced. In our zeal to show we still uphold our commitment to each veteran who has died, we should also be making the same commitment to our brother or sister’s spouse, children and other family members.

We only must do our part a few times a year beginning with the internment of the deceased. But the family lives the loss many times over and over. It doesn’t end for them after the funeral. The reminder is there on every birthday, every holiday, and they must try to go on, to fill the void left in their family. This becomes particularly difficult for spouses and children who lost their soldiers during war. We should realize that not much consolation exists for their condition.

Even after years and years a friendly face with a compassionate ear can keep another on this side of that grass. Even battle buddies need that empathy for what they are feeling. It is now clear since I’ve informed you that Memorial Day is also for the living. We can hope that our comrade hears and sees our concern, and applauds our effort from Valhalla, but more important is that the family and friends see that we made such an effort. On this Memorial Day take the time, as you all do, to remember the soldiers who have lost their lives and also take time to recognize the families who have lost a loved one and still may feel grief. Tell them that their veterans who are now gone are true warriors and ask what you can do to give them some comfort.

It doesn’t have to be only on Memorial Day. PTSD and other feelings of despair are present every day of the week.

To my comrades who have already gone before me, I make a solemn promise to greet you fondly when we meet again in Valhalla.

Kirk L. Miller is past commander 2023-24 of the Chautauqua County American Legion, 8th District Department of New York.