And What Have We Done?
My husband and I woke up this morning and decided we should visit the religious institution that married us. It’s been several months since we last attended and we were starting to feel guilty about our long absence. So, we got up, got dressed, and walked the six blocks to St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Something Out of the Ordinary
There is a point in all Episcopal services that the congregation says their own prayers either “silent or aloud.” By this time I am usually daydreaming, yes - I am a little ashamed of this, but for some reason today, I decided to listen. The prayers usually revolve around others from the congregation or their families and friends, but today a man spoke up and made us all listen. He held his head high and unfolded a piece of paper. He prayed for all the soldiers and soldier’s families who have been lost in the Iraq War. He then read the names of the soldiers who have lost their lives in June 2008. What really made me listen was that he also told us their ages.
The List
Spc. Justin R. Mixon age 22, Spc. Christopher D. McCarthy age unknown, Spc. Quincy J. Green age 26, Pfc. Joshua E. Waltenbaugh age 19, Sgt. Shane P. Duffy age 22, Spc. Jonathan D. A. Emard age 20, Sgt. Cody R. Legg age 23, Sgt. 1st Class David R. Hurst age 31, Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett age 28, Pfc. Thomas F. Duncan, III age 21, Sgt. Steve A. McCoy age 23, Sgt. 1st Class Gerard M. Reed age 40, Pvt. Eugene D. M. Kanakaole age 19, Lance Cpl. Javier Perales Jr. age 19, Lance Cpl. Kelly E. C. Watters age 19, Sgt. John D. Aragon age 22, Spc. Jason N. Cox age 21, Cpt. Gregory T. Dalessio age 30, Pfc. Bryan M. Thomas age 22, Chief Warrant Officer Robert C. Hammett age 39, Maj. Dwayne M. Kelley age 48, Sgt. Alejandro A. Dominguez age 24, Spc. Joel A. Taylor age 20, Pfc. James M. Yohn age 25, Spc. Joshua L. Plocica age 20, Lt. Col. Max A. Galeai age 42, Capt. Philip J. Dykeman age 38, Cpl. Marcus W. Preudhomme age 23
What Have I Done?
As I looked around the room, I saw the same look on my fellow parishoners’ faces that must have been on mine, the look of guilt and compassion. I felt guilty because I am older than most of these soldiers and I’ve never had to sacrafice like they have. I felt guilty because the biggest worry of my day thus far had been getting my ratified contracts in today. My biggest worry yesterday was the price of cheese. I felt compassion for the families of these soldiers and what their biggest worries must be right now. I also felt compassion for the men and women they served beside who know they might be next.
My Wish and Prayer
So, as America becomes consumed with rising gas prices, rising grocery prices, the economy, the housing market, and the upcoming Presidential elections, I hope that we all take time to remember the men and women who are fighting and dying in the Middle East. No matter how you personally feel about our involvement in this war, we should respect the men and women of the Armerd Forces who are putting their lives on the line everyday. I will be sure to pray for the well-being of our soldiers and their families when I go to bed in the safety of my American home.
Beautiful post, Sarah. Thanks for the reminder. Seeing these soldiers’ names like that really hits you, and I can only imagine what is was like hearing that man read them aloud. My family is very fortunate to have our soldier home after two tours in Iraq, and can only imagine the heartache felt by those who aren’t so lucky. I can only hope that the pride they feel takes the edge off the pain, even if just a little bit.
Perceptive is a very important attribute. I fail horribly sometimes at seeing that my problems are insignificant compared to so many others. I am thankful for friends and family that help my maintain the right perspective. I am also very sad at the lost of life. I pray that God will protect our military and give our elected officials wisdom on what to do next.
Thank you for putting everything into persective. It is very easy to forget how lucky we are.
George Orwell said,”People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. ” We need to remember how they facilitate how we live.