How does it feel to lose a generation? How does it feel to see them fall to death one by one. Wives, sons and daughters left behind. We don't remember them and what they did until it's too late. When we thank them they can no longer hear us. The generation we are losing is a generation that sacrificed their lives for us.
Lizzy's grandpa Elwyn D. Gaines passed away earlier this week. We all knew it was happening, yet it doesn't take away the pain. For the most part good byes were said, yet we wished to say hello again. I think the pain our society feels is one we have learned. We try to hold in our sadness as long as possible, to be as strong as we can.
We should not fear to really show our pain for that person on the day of their death. Mourn them, then be glad for them. This isn't to say we need to mourn and move on, but if we stay in the grieving process, we will no longer have a fulfilling life. I never really knew Lizzy's father or her grandpa, however, I was at both of their funerals. I too cried, even though I didn't know them. However, what really hit me was at "grandpa's" funeral when the Idaho National Guard was there.
There was a flag draped over the casket, colors of bright red, blue and white, the never failing flag. I find myself to be patriotic, especially when it comes to honoring the military. When the guardsmen were folding the flag, every movement was slow and deliberate, they were truly honoring this veteran. When they had finished folding the flag into the traditional triangle, one of the guardsmen held it close to his chest and squeezed it. Almost to show he was giving Elwyn a hug, thanking him for his sacrifice.
But what really hit me, was the lone veteran that was in front of the line to view the body of the old soldiers body. He saluted the man proudly, then came over and said he was sorry but he had to go to another funeral. Here is a generation watching each other die. They fought the wars and we selfishly live. We criticize their ways, we criticize everything about them, yet we never criticize their bravery, their dedication, their service, their sacrifice, their patriotism.
It still hits me to think about the solute from one old soldier to the next. Their bodies failing them. Given a chance they would still fight for us and our freedom. My generation doesn't have that attitude. We are takers, not makers. We take freedom but don't want to make it.
Elwyn, my time with you was short, but thank you for your dedication to our great country. Thank you for that time together watching golf in your kitchen on that summer day. From what I saw you were man in love with your country and your family. Thank you again for your dedication and making freedom for us to enjoy. We really do enjoy it and we really do appreciate your generation and all you have done for us. We may not realize it, but without your generation, we would be nothing.
The generation is slowly dwindling, they are going one by one. What will our generation be remembered for?
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