A Day in November
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Early in the morning on November seventh, as Veteran’s Day grows near, my husband and I will meet with a small group of volunteers. We will meet at the Mayor’s house to pick up the signs and flags that will be posted on telephone poles on the main street of our town. They will stand as a solemn reminder of the men and women in the Coalition Forces who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since Memorial Day of this year
Bobby Blair, the Mayor of Mudville, and a Vietnam Veteran began this project to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service to this country. Bobby has also, through the help of donations from citizens of the town, sent care packages to those soldiers from Holliston who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. The local VFW and American Legion Post members continue to make this their priority.
When hanging the signs, Bill and I will fall into a silent routine. I will hold the sign while Bill works the staple gun. I position the flag above the sign as Bill hammers in the larger staple that will hold the flag in place. We will silently read the name, rank, age, and home state of the fallen soldier.
Spc Corey Kowall
Age 20
Murpheesboro, TN
WO Yann Hertach
Age 38
France
Sgt Michael Lockett
Age 28
Scotland
Cpl John Malone
Age 24
Yonkers, NY
There is a great sadness that is felt when hanging the signs. I think about the mothers and fathers of these brave patriots and the sorrow and emptiness they will feel in their lives forever for the loss of their son or daughter. I think of their husbands and wives, their children, their brothers and sisters, their aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.
I consider the price we have asked them to pay and inwardly rage at the decisions of our government.
The day after Veteran’s Day we will take the signs down. This day is sadder still as we pull out the staples, and take down the signs and flags. We will gently carry the signs bearing the names of the fallen and carefully place them in the trunk of the car.
I grew up in Holliston and the my cousin Tommy Ghelli was remembered last week by a another cousin in regards to the great tribute that these signs along Washington street pay to the lives that are lost in our name and the name of freedom. When ever I come home to visit and I see these signs, I slow and have a heavy heart as I drive by the them, wanting to read the ages and home states and now countries. I have wanted to do the same thing in the town that I now call home, Braintree, Ma. I think that this memorial is far more powerful than a parade. It really makes the average person stop and pay attention to the sacrifice that these tipically young men and women made in our name. It makes me even more determined that we never send our youth out to fight and die with out due cause. Thank you to them and for this wonderful tribute. It is the best memorial I have ever seen.
Deborah Ghelli Attardo | 2009-11-15 21:14:13
A beautiful statement Ellen, I know it was straight from the heart. It saddens me to think of how many more times in the months and years to come we will have the need to honor even more fallen heroes. George Snow, Chaplain, VFW
George Snow | 2009-11-10 19:16:53
a wonderful article Ellen... " He fell in October 1918, on a day that was so quiet and still on the whole front, that the army report confined itself to the single sentence: All Quiet on the Western Front. He had fallen forward and lay on the earth as though sleeping. Turning him over one saw that he could not have suffered long; his face had an expression of calm, as though almost glad the end had come " -Eric Maria Remarque, All Quiet On The Western Front
Lee DeSorgher | 2009-11-09 20:45:01
A great tribute to our soldiers that helps us to teach our young children about these heros, as well as makes us stop and remember how lucky we are to have them.
Ed Daniels | 2009-11-09 10:42:56
Ellen - your article is a fitting addition to the "Streets of Honor, Roads of Sorrow" memorial. Thanks Steve
Steve Bradford | 2009-11-08 09:16:16