Memorial Day Ruminations

This weekend let’s give thanks to all those serving in the military and to all our veterans. It is also important that we recognize the sacrifice of the families of those who serve or have served.

Incredible Bravery
As someone who did not serve in the military, I find many narratives of American heroism almost incomprehensible. Here is an example of astounding bravery:
In 2005, an IED exploded under the Humvee of Sergeant Alwyn Cashe. His fuel-soaked uniform caught fire while he was pulling the driver to safety. Cashe returned to the burning vehicle five more times even though he was aflame and under heavy machine gun fire. Cashe saved six comrades but died an agonizing death from his burns in a Texas hospital. Cashe received the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Not all heroes carry a weapon
It takes special courage to do your job under constant enemy threat when you aren’t provided a weapon. An excellent example of those who have provided vital services to our military efforts are the Seabees. After World War II broke out, the U.S. Navy created the Construction Battalions which became known as the “CBs” and soon thereafter “Seabees”. The Navy enlisted thousands of skilled tradesmen and engineers to create the extensive network of airfields, bridges, and roads that would be necessary to achieve victory in the European and Pacific theaters.

On D-DAY, the Seabees were among the first Americans to land at Normandy. Despite relentless German fire, the Seabees cleared German obstructions and established a path for the allied forces. During World War II, over 2000 Seabees were awarded the purple heart.
The Seabees continue their essential duties with the motto “can do”.

Tomb of the Unknowns
If you haven’t visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery you need to put it on your “must see” list. It is one of the most powerful symbols of veterans’ sacrifice.
Three soldiers representing the unknowns of World War I, World War II, and Korea are interred at the tomb.  A Vietnam veteran was interred at the tomb but with the advent of DNA testing, his remains were exhumed and he was identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Blassie. His remains were moved to a cometary near his home in Missouri.
The inscription over the crypt now reads “Honoring and Keeping faith with America’s Missing Servicemen, 1958-1975.”  The era of recognizing unknown soldiers has probably concluded because DNA testing can confirm the remains of fallen combatants.
The Sentinel
The guards who watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are held to the most rigorous possible standards. The badge earned by the sentinels is the second least awarded badge in the military. (the first is the astronaut badge) In 1996, Sgt. Heather Johnson became the first woman to earn the tomb guard badge, and six women have followed her.

When my family and I visited the tomb twenty years ago, we were astounded by the guidebook’s details on the stringent requirements placed on tomb guards. I recently did some research to check the veracity of the book.

“Applicants for guard duty must be between 5′ 10″ and 6′ 2″ tall with a waist size that cannot exceed 30.” My research indicates that the maximum height for a guard is 6’4 and waist size “must be proportional to height”. Women must be a minimum of 5’8.
“Guards must spend eight hours pressing and preparing their uniform before duty”. This turns out to be an exaggeration- It’s only five hours!
“Guards must abstain from alcohol on or off duty for the rest of their lives.” It turns out that this is a myth and somewhere a couple of ex-guards are playing beer pong.
“Guards cannot swear in public for the rest of their lives. “This is also a myth, so ex-guards are free to play golf or raise children.

Speaking of Arlington National Cemetery, can you name the only two presidents buried there? You will probably be surprised when you Google it.

Enjoy the long weekend. If you are looking for a great Father’s Day gift, go to www.tedcurtinstories.com to order my book, “Get Smarter-Be Amazed”.

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