In response to Duane Sherwood’s “Memorial Day musings,” I must say it’s appalling the author contributes the smallest paragraph of his writing to address the purpose of Memorial Day — honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by service members: their lives.
The rest of his commentary focuses on political ideologies, personal beliefs, honoring groups of people who did not die defending our nation, and lists that distract from the true reason for this three-day weekend — the death of brave men and women who fought for our country’s freedom.
One thing I did know going into this weekend: I’m surrounded by patriots whom I served beside over 12 years in the armed forces and our conversations don’t sound at all like the musings of this man. Most patriots are wise and experienced enough to not be distracted by the disassociation between Memorial Day and the fallen, no matter how hard society attempts to distract us with barbecues, discounts and parties.
Mr. Sherwood’s commentary on this weekend does not pay tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters; instead, it distracts from and diminishes the true reason for this “holiday,” while also suggesting the ultimate sacrifice paid by human life is a waste when an American holds a belief that doesn’t fit Mr. Sherwood’s perception of patriotism.
Yet, Mr. Sherwood’s article does not surprise me. Vermont has turned into a state where the voting population advocates louder for the lives of wildlife than the lives of its citizen soldiers. When the soldiers who survived ask for help, we are ignored. It’s no wonder the lives of those who never returned are just a subtle reference in a politically charged rant from the heart of progressive, liberal, anti-military Vermont.
To that unfortunate sentiment, I hope Vermonters who did want to recognize the fallen found a Memorial Day parade or ceremony to attend. Or went to the Rutland Fairgrounds to support the Josh Pallotta Fund. Or went to church and prayed among patriots for our nation and service members. Or did something to learn and teach others about a Vermont service member who died and never came home to their family.
While Mr. Sherwood may take a moment to remember the fallen only once a year, most patriots remember our fallen every day because of PTSD recalls, because of missing or damaged body parts lost or broken alongside the dead, because of survivors guilt, because of the forever-empty seat at a mother’s dining room table, or because of the heartbreak we feel having known the dead.
Patriotism has nothing to do with wealth, religion, the press, or speech. Patriotism has everything to do with kneeling over in humbleness for the people brave enough to pick up a weapon and fight back against tyrants who attempt to steal and lead people and countries into socialism, communism, and other oppressive forms of government.
Erynn Hazlett
Rutland