Memorial Day Message From Our Gold Star Mom
Denise Williams, our Gold Star mom, shares her thoughts with us on this Memorial Day weekend. For those wondering, she requested her name to be displayed with the post.
Denise sends.
MEMORIAL DAY MADE REAL. BY A PLAY.
Each year many of us take time out of our Memorial Day weekend to watch the National Memorial Day Concert on TV. We tune in to hear the stirring music, listen to the stories of those who have served, and of those who have sacrificed their last, full measure for our Nation. Two years ago, I had the privilege of attending in person at the Nation’s Capital. The events of Memorial Day weekend 2019 were the most profoundly moving and patriotic I had ever witnessed. Until a few months later…
In October 2019, I was invited to go see a play written by a retired combat soldier, performed by veterans for veterans. At least, that is what I thought I was going to see.
What I saw that evening was more than a play, it was the heart and soul of every warrior and of the families of those warriors. The pain. The laughter. The joy. The dreams and the nightmares.
In one scene, there is a scream that I had never before heard, but I knew. It had come from my throat, from my soul on a bright sunny day nearly 10 years earlier. I had the opportunity to talk to that actor after and tried to explain what that moment meant, how it tore me apart and healed me simultaneously to hear another give voice to a pain I didn’t know I still carried. Yeah, a play, an evening’s entertainment did that and so much more.
You don’t have to take my word for how moving and ultimately healing that play was for me and everyone who has seen it in cities across the country. “LAST OUT: Elegy of a Green Beret” has been made into a feature-length film that is streaming on YouTube through Memorial Day. (Link Below).
I can’t say which was more powerful, though there is something to be said for a live performance. Luckily, everyone can have the chance to see this incredibly important play performed live on Saturday, May 29th 6:30pm EST (5:30pm CDT). Simply register and one click to open the welcome from Scott, the film & webinar talkback afterwards.
Before you click either link, be advised there are serious Trigger Warnings. Don’t take them lightly.
Warning: Themes of Post-Traumatic Stress, Depictions of Combat, Potentially Offensive Language”
Then again, the language warning probably doesn’t apply to this crowd. If your reaction is to clutch your pearls, you must immediately surrender your Official TAH Membership Card and Decoder Ring.
This limited release of the film and livestream of the play is, in the words of Scott Mann, a love letter to the Gold Star Families. Click the link below to see what I had to say about that (about the 1:05 mark) though many of you already know my heart.
To all my wonderful, curmudgeonly, TAH deplorables my hope is your Memorial Day weekend is filled with all the pleasures and freedoms you swore to protect and defend. More so, I hope those joys comfort you as you remember those who make Memorial Day personal to you.
For the Film –
Last Out: Elegy of a Green Beret
For the live performance on Saturday, May 29th, 6:30pm EST
All gave some; some gave all. This day is for those who gave all.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae – 1872-1918
Category: Reality Check, Valor, Veterans in the news
“In Flanders Fields” recited by the late Leonard Cohen:
God’s Blessings to you Denise. May His Peace bring you some measure of His Comfort for your pain that will never end. I give Thanks to Him on a daily basis that I have yet to experience what you, and other Gold Star Moms have had. It goes without saying, but does bear repeating, that there is NO request that you could make of this Motley Crew Band of D’weeded, Miscreanted, Deplorable Ne’re Do Wells Brothers (and Sisters) that said request would be done most Post Haste by entire Regiments/Squadrons/Fleet Battle Groups/FMFs. You are muchly Admired, Appreciated, and yes…Loved by one and all here.
Way to hit us right in the feelz. I gots to go change them Air Handling Unit’s filters again.
KoB- you epitomize the Southern Gentleman, which I adore. Naughty tough guy that has honor encoded in his DNA who shows no shame for a heartfelt tear.
Bless you this Memorial Day and always.
Thank you, Denise…It is our Honor and yes, Duty to;
Be Their Witness
Say Their Names
I made it thru the videos…the struggle was real. Maybe I need to wipe down the ceiling fan blades, changing the air filters didn’t help much.
I will make a spirited attempt to make it thru the live streaming on tomorrow upcoming. “There but for the Grace of God…”
Denise,
I’ve already expressed how much I respect and love you but you know what, I’m going to say it again, I very much respect you, your life, your share, your kindness, your strength and well, you.
I’m *SO* glad you’re part of our dysfunctional family here. That being said, I’m just going to say, this is me, AND even better, I could have played some kind of weird split/screen/CGI something or other, played both parts, simultaneously.
If I *ever* get the chance to meet you in person, wear body armor, cause I’m breakin’ RIBS!!!! Kidding, I’ll be gentle, but firm.
Chip
…and you’ll get hugged right back, just as hard. Hanging around here feels like a hug, a belly laugh and a solemn toast all at once, all the time.
Thank you
Denise, Thank You.
My feelings & thoughts match what ChipNASA has expressed to you.
This Memorial Day I will once again vividly remember those brothers that I served alongside of that made the ultimate sacrifice. They will never be forgotten.
Know that your strength, wisdom and words have helped myself and others on this blog.
“Above their rest there is no sound of weeping,
Only the voice of song-birds thrills the air;
Unknown their graves, yet they are in God’s keeping,
There are none “missing” from His tender care.
He knows each hallowed mound, and at His pleasure
Marshalls the sentinels of earth and sky;
O’er their repose kind Nature heaps her treasure,
Farmed by soft winds which ’round them gently sigh”
Thank you Sky for sharing this.
…There are none missing
Love that.
Another of my favorite Memorial Day poems;
THE CROSSES GROW ON ANZIO
Oh, gather ’round me, comrades; and
listen while I speak
Of a war, a war, a war where hell is
six feet deep.
Along the shore, the cannons roar. Oh
how can a soldier sleep?
The going’s slow on Anzio. And hell is
six feet deep.
Praise be to God for this captured sod that
rich with blood does seep.
With yours and mine, like butchered
swine’s; and hell is six feet deep.
That death awaits there’s no debate;
no triumph will we reap.
The crosses grow on Anzio, where hell is
six feet deep.
-Audie Murphy, 1948
And the ever tear-inducing Sgt Mackenzie;
Mason, as Chip said above, I’m not crying, you’re crying…at the third note of the pipes.
You know, it’s probably because I’m a natural pessimist, but Memorial Day to me I always think about those who we’ve lost. Your message here helps reframe the day into something more positive for me.
Sometimes I just need a bit of a different perspective. Thanks for providing it.
Mason- be well, be at peace with yourself. That’s how we honor them.
Denise, in tribute to your son and all others we honor this weekend:
Soldier
I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go,
And did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing,
And reluctantly accepted the thought
Of eternal loneliness should I fail.
I have seen the face of terror,
Felt the stinging cold of fear,
And enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment’s love.
I have, cried, pained and hoped,
But most of all, I have lived times
Others would say were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say
That I was proud of what I was…
A Soldier.
By George L. Skypeck, Reg™, Copyright © All rights reserved, used with permission of Mr. Skypeck
Military Historical Artist
Poetrooper –
this is amazing, thank you for sharing
A great play and very moving. Aside from the emotions, I have a question. What is the significance of the black A1C1D1 & Z1 on the left arm?
Good question, and I don’t know the answer. I’d suggest contacting Scott Mann via the website for Last Out or via the book of faces. Please share with us all the answer
Denise – thanks for your essay. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Thank you, Denise. And God bless you.
Denise,
Thank you.
As the parents of a twice-deployed Airborne 11-B, Mrs. GB and I knew the fear.
You are loved by all of us miscreants – even those who like me never served, but love those who do and are serving.
May the God of all comfort wrap His arms around you and fill you with His hope and peace.
Have a blessed Memorial Day.
Thank you, Denise. That sounds so inadequate, but it is heart-felt and sincere. Bless you.
What the heck! You guys got a decoder ring???? How come I didn’t get one?? I are offended!!!
Denise, I’m sending you a hug from an old crusty tanker guy.