Sunday, May 21, 2006
MEMORIAL DAY, 2006
Memorial day is set aside for remembeing those who have gone before us, particularly those lost in one of the nation's wars. It has been observed by historians that World War II may well have been the only (almost) universally popular war this nation has ever fought. Having served in WW II, the Militant Moderate is old enough to remember several wars, and this would be his own observation, as well as his conclusion for the study of history. While there were a few detractors, who thought that Mr. Roosevelt had in some way conspired to bring the war upon us, these were ignored by the masses, the media, and the intellectuals.
At the age of 18 the Militant Moderate was at the U.S. Naval Training Station at San Diego, preparing for later duty as a ship's radioman aboard a destroyer and a troop transport, when he was called to headquarters and told that his only brother had been killed while on a bombing mission in Italy on December 20, 1944. Having experienced the tragedy of war, it is his view that most wars should not be popular. Further, it is a good thing that most are not, lest we enter them with too little restraint.
The poem below was written in 1999 in memory of S/Sgt. Louis R. Vineyard (1922-1944), who is interred in the beautiful military cemetery at Nettuno, Italy, just a few miles from the beach and the town of Anzio. It is an idyllic, tranquil, and beautiful place.
BENEATH ITALIAN SKIES
Beneath Italian skies my brother lies,
Amidst the crosses set in rows of white.
East, west, north, and south they rise
In perfect symmetry, gleaming bright.
Beneath grassy green the earth contains,
Nestled in its bosom in restful sleep,
That essence which in this world remains
Of brave ones whose memory crosses keep.
The rowed trees, evergreen, speak of life,
But the rowed crosses speak still of death,
Bodies torn and broken in midst of strife.
Crosses speak for those who have no breath.
Beneath Italian skies my brother lies,
His name carved clear on a cross of white.
The quiet beauty of his resting field belies
The enduring tragedy of war's great blight.
Dr. Edwin E. Vineyard, AKA Militant Moderate
Memorial Day, 2006
