Memorial Day brings bitter sweet memories to all of
us.
From as early as I can remember as a little boy, my
family was involved with the Memorial Day Parade in Kansas City Mo.
My father, Neal Cross Gibbs Jr., served in WWII and Korea
The Parade went on toward the Liberty Memorial where
it ended with presentations of the Color Guard, and several speeches... one in
particular was my father, giving the Gettysburg Address each year.
Year after year, the weather on this day ranged from
brilliant sunshine to close to snow showers, rain or, in some cases perfect for
Spring in the Midwest .
This tradition went on to well into my teen years,
which helped in solidifying an attitude of patriotism that I've carried with me
all of my life, and can only hope the rest of my family can catch a hold of as
well.
The day always started too early for a young man
with four older sisters that would rather have slept in on the Holiday like the rest of their friends, but not the case
in the Gibbs' family. We were "up and at'em" at the crack of dawn,
and in downtown KC just after seven a.m.!
In each of the Ceremonies, we witnessed many
different things that young eyes have a hard time comprehending at times...
there were protests of the Vietnam War, and varying sizes of audiences, usually
depending on the weather, I think. One of the most vivid memories I retain, is
of issues that would develop with the Military Color Guard. We saw at times,
mistakes in the marching patterns, and weapons jamming at the "twenty-one
gun salute", that made for some tense moments. All of which brought loud
barking from the Officer in charge.
An instance I remember most, was a very hot morning
that was originally forecast to be unseasonably cool, when a soldier was
overcome by heat and passed out in the middle of the ceremony! The Guard was
dressed in their heavy uniforms, and when the one young man hit the pavement,
the soldier next to him, in a natural reaction, leaned over to try and keep his
comrade from hitting the ground. The man on the ground was ignored until
sufficient reprimand was delivered to the soldier who broke ranks to lend a
hand.
My dad used this as a "teaching moment"
for us kids and after the end of tributes, he described the incredible lengths
that military soldiers must go to in order to preserve discipline. The last
thing I was thinking was, what could happen on the battlefield if everyone let
their guard down to help those falling beside them.
Over the years I felt a number of emotions while
participating in this event, from honor, to betrayal of "my holiday
time." But looking back, I feel so proud of my family having been involved
with such a solemn occasion for most of my younger years.
Let's never forget the sacrifice of our fallen
soldiers, that we may remain free in this country. To live and be unencumbered
in how we live our lives, and pursue our individual idea of happiness.
Blessings to you...
