Monday Morning Boost: We Must Live The Warrior Creed
I Wasn’t Prepared To See The Names.
For three days I had been around the “Cost of Freedom Tribute” featuring the Traveling Vietnam Memorial Wall. It was the focus of last weeks’ Monday Morning Boost and Thursday’s Red Edge Live. I spoke Friday at the “Night Like No Other” concert and honor program. Saturday morning I listened with respect as the names of all Utah’s Fallen Military were read as part of the Michael J. Allred “Ride For The Fallen” ceremony.
But I didn’t walk the Wall ’til Saturday night.
In addition to the 80% replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, the Cost of Freedom tribute includes a memorial to every conflict since World War I, including the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks at the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Elisa and I wandered our way through, reading the descriptions of the events, gaining a little more understanding. Our eyes move from one display to the next, our bodies pausing for minutes at a time to soak in the info, and experience the feeling.
But I Wasn’t Prepared To See The Names.
Etched on the Vietnam Memorial Wall replica are the names of 58,318 individuals who have been identified so far as being killed. These names I was prepared for.
It was the 7,000+ names of U.S. military personnel killed in Afghanistan and Iraq, also etched into memorial panels, I wasn’t prepared for. I simply was not aware the actual name of every service member killed was part of the memorial display.
The realization hit me hard. Elisa wrapped her arms around me and held me tight as a deep sob wracked my body. I felt the deepness of my emotions connect with the moments of the past and the hope of the future. I wept for the pain of loss and felt immense gratitude for the sacrifice given.
There were two names I know I would see. And I know what I would feel. To many of you who have followed my stories, thoughts, and memories, the names will be familiar to you. You will also know I vow to Never Forget.
Michael Allred & Ron Wood.
Of all the many patriotic, veteran, and military ceremonies I have been part of over the years, the event on Friday night felt extra special. The following is the text of the remarks I shared as part of the ceremony. We have a video of the entire honor ceremony I hope to share soon (as soon as I can figure out how to get it off my son’s iPhone!).
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
As American Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coasties, we always place the mission first, we never accept defeat, we never quit, and we never leave a fallen comrade.
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
As a community, we must honor this Creed and not abandon our veteran brothers and sisters, our veteran friends and neighbors, our veterans who live right here among us.
They are part of our mission as a community. Let us not accept defeat, let us never quit, and let us never allow a veteran to fall through the cracks of complacency and bureaucracy… and become a fallen comrade.
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
Every day 22 veterans are killed by suicide. Two of these were men I served with in Iraq… Sheldon Loveless and my good friend Clyde Kramme. They and each of the 22 veterans are the comrades we must never leave behind.
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
There are many “Unsung Heroes” who have served our country but have fallen through the cracks and have been forgotten. Unsung Heroes include the homeless veterans who have died without being honored. Unsung Heroes are those who have served but have lost the battle to the darkness of PTSD, trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Unsung heroes are the comrades we must never leave behind.
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
One of those we honor is my friend Marine Lance Corporal Michael J. Allred from Hyde Park. Michael was killed in Iraq on September 6, 2004. Tomorrow morning will be another honor ceremony and the Ride For The Fallen to recognize Michael and all of Utah’s Fallen.
Tonight, we add to that solemn list the name of Marine Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover who was one of the 13 service members killed yesterday in Afghanistan.
WE LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
For Michael Allred and Taylor Hoover and each of the fallen, we live the Warrior Creed. For Sheldon Loveless and Clyde Kramme and each of the 22 killed by suicide, we live the Warrior Creed. For the Unsung Heroes who have slipped through the cracks, we live the Warrior Creed. For each of you who struggle, we live the Warrior Creed.
I LIVE THE WARRIOR CREED
I am an American Soldier.
I am a warrior and a member of a team.
I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
God Bless Our Military, God Bless Our Beautiful Cache Valley, and God Bless America.
Have a great Monday. Thanks for letting me share!
Les
p.s. Take 13 minutes today to ponder what it means to you to Live The Warrior Creed.
BE PART OF SOMETHING GREATER!
