Memorial Day a Personal Story
A Somber Introduction to the Meaning of Memorial Day
On a quiet Florida street lined with twenty-foot oak trees, leaves rustle in the wind. Behind the white door of a typical Tampa tract house from the fifties, I sat. It was a home of around 800 square feet where parents quartered in one room and kids in the other(s). Everyone is sharing a bathroom. A throwback to old America and its past ways. As we opened boxes, my girlfriend pulled out something. I look, and it’s a small, nondescript case topped with glass. Encased within, medals stared up at me. After a moment, the significance of what she held stirred feelings of unease. Medals, ribbons, and honors held no extra meaning. They existed everywhere, like furniture, growing up. My father served in the army in my youth. I grew up surrounded by all things military-related, e.g. uniforms, military jeeps, and people saluting. Unlike the medals in ceremonies or drawers, seeing this felt different. I stared longer, and she opened the case, and there stood a purple heart. She told me the story of the passing of her relative.
Before I dive into the story, I need you to be forewarned. We are talking about Memorial Day, which means you may feel the sacrifice of people who allow the world, the government, and the people within to exist harm free.
From 1964 through 1972, during the Vietnam War, 2.7 million Americans boarded planes and dispatched abroad. In the end, 50,000+ Americans flew back across the world in body bags, to be interned on American soil. These medals belonged to Private First Class, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, L Company, Terry Lee Charles.
Two years before the 26th Amendment reduced the voting age from 21 to 18, 19-year-old Terry Lee Charles enlisted in the Marine Corps. Within six months, he boarded a plane to Vietnam. His DD1300 (Report of Casualty Form) will explain what happens after ten days in country: “Died 19Sep69 in Quang Tai Province (01) Republic of Vietnam as a result of multiple fragmentation wounds from hostile mortar fire while participating in action against hostile forces during an operation.” PFC Terry Lee Charles, 20 years old, killed in action (KIA) on September 19, 1969, in South Vietnam, Quang Tri. He left behind no spouse or children, but family, friends, and a “now” grateful country that loved him.
Being told the story of a 20-year-old being KIA, while we both celebrated our 20th birthdays in college, was harrowing. People overuse the word sacrifice, and it comes in many forms. However, some sacrifice exists on a different plane. On this Memorial Day, let us not forget the lives that people gave up. Whether conscripted or volunteered to serve, regardless of race, nationality, or religion, they honored our country by serving. This year, try to opt for a genuine gesture of appreciation, instead of empty platitudes of thank you for your service. Pause and honor those who sacrificed for freedom, and remember their comrades and families that remain.