EVERY MEMORIAL DAY, my emotions rise, sometimes spilling into tears. This year, 2021, proved no exception.
As I listened to speakers during a Memorial Day program at Faribault’s Central Park, a sense of loss, of sorrow, of grief descended on me. It is the personal stories that always get me.
When Honored Combat Veteran Donald F. Langer spoke of losing his soldier-buddy John, I thought of my dad losing his soldier-friend Ray during the Korean War. Decades removed from Vietnam and John’s death, Langer’s grief still runs deep. I could hear it in his words.
I heard, too, of the challenges he faced while on R & R. He didn’t fit into civilization, Langer said, so he returned early to the jungle rather than continue his respite separated from his fellow soldiers. And when he exited war via a flight out of Saigon, Langer carried with him the trauma of war.
These are the stories we need to hear. To personalize war. To make it about more than patriotism and fighting for freedom and serving country. Behind every platitude are individuals who loved and were loved. Who were forever changed.
Emcee Gordy Kosfeld shared a poignant story pulled from Guidepost magazine about a young soldier killed in Italy. Uncle Bud, who loved his dog, Jiggs. And Maria. In his riveting radio storytelling voice (KDHL), Kosfeld had the audience listening with attentiveness.
While I listened, my thoughts drifted to my dad, recipient of the Purple Heart. He made it out of Korea alive, but not without trauma.
Bud was killed in action. John, too. And Dad’s buddy, Ray. So when the honor guard fired their guns and the bugler played Taps and the women laid wreaths representing our nation’s wars and the pastor prayed and we sang patriotic songs and the color guard retired the colors, I thought of the sacrifices made by so many. They are the reason we gather on Memorial Day. To remember. To honor. To consider the ultimate sacrifice of dying for country.
Please check back for one more post from Memorial Day in Faribault. A light-hearted moment that eased the grief I was feeling.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Very touching. You are so right that we need to Hear these stories so war does not become just a statistic or something that “happens to others”. ❤
Thank you. Stories are so important in personalizing almost any topic: mental health, domestic abuse, COVID-19…
Thank you for these reviews and images. I have huge fond memories of Memorial Day Parades. (also the Pet Parade that I was in a few times) Our extended family had vets, but Dad and our many German immigrants were huge patriots. The folks married in ’33, totally remember WW2, reminded me of rationing often. The Korean War was my first memory as we got our first tv. The National Memorial Day Concert paid special tribute to the forgotten war this year. My classmates went off to Vietnam. Memorial Day is important…and yes, tearful. And Pledge of Allegiance should be said in schools!
Sandra, thank you for sharing your Memorial Day memories.
Very touching – makes me feel proud as well as brings tears to my eyes too (the ultimate sacrifice of those who are serving and those that have served). I have my poppy proudly displayed on my purse handle. I still do not know how my grandma did it when five of her sons were actively serving, especially during the Korean War and Vietnam War. I am a member of the American Legion and VFW to support and be part of the community. I like hearing their stories and that they can openly talk about their stories. They have that community and space as well as support and resources. Thanks so much for sharing! Happy Day – Enjoy 🙂
Renee, I don’t know how your grandma did it either. That took a lot of emotional strength. Thank you for continuing to honor those who have served and are serving.