History's Difference-Makers

Memorial Day always captures my mind and heart. Fellow author and friend, Jack London, mentioned Malmedy on Facebook today and now I can't halt that flight of imagination to the Ardennes in the brutal December of 1944 when German machine gunners mowed down hundreds of captured American GIs in cold blood. A continent away and six years later I touch down in late November 1950 at Chosin Reservoir where U.S. Army Task Force Faith is so decimated by hordes of Chinese infantry that a mere 500 frozen and frost bitten survivors stagger their way to Hagaru-ri.
Then on to Shiloh, Chicamaugua and Gettysburg for battles so bloody the mind recoils at the carnage.
Then fast-forward to Tarawa, Iwo Jima and Okinawa in 1945 for scenes no less vividly painted in blood. And a flight of consciousness to Ia Drang in 1965 where a surrounded 1st Air Cav desperately struggles for survival. Gary Owen.
I must make a landing so I can count the numbers totalling the price of freedom. No. It is too great a price to bear. But, I am required to pay homage to a silent army of the spirit marching silently and invisibly down through history--apparitions of timeless valor.
DJFarinacci, 5/23/13.