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TH*NK*NG
(RESPECT) I’ve been thinking about respect. Actually I’ve been thinking about the Memorial Day 2008 observances, Woodlawn Cemetery, the St. Johns Program, Richard Erickson, small town patriotism, and the 1 plus percent. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. It began to honor the soldiers who died in the American Civil War, and after World War I - “the war to end all wars.” It was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action as well as honoring living veterans. In the widest context, it provides an opportunity to honor anyone who is no longer with us. You see my hometown - the little Village of Creston - like many thousands of small communities across this land make special observances on Memorial Day. Local businessman, Lyle Headon, a US Marine and Vietnam War Veteran coordinates the ceremonies and program which this year occurred at both Creston’s Woodlawn Cemetery and St John’s Lutheran Church. Woodlawn is a beautifully pastoral setting about a mile North of Creston. There is a meandering stream on two sides. Just to the North is Brody’s Grove where the original settlement was located before the railroad came thru and the village of “Dement” relocated to a “crest of a hill” along the iron horse tracks becoming Creston (nee Crest-town). It has been a Creston tradition to gather at the cemetery to pay respects to those who have served this nation in the military in both times of war and in times of peace. Every year there is a roll call of names of all the departed veterans interred there. Woodlawn is the final resting place for veterans from the War of 1812, the America Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, Word War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Each veteran’s grave displays the appropriate bronze flag holder (for their service) and an American flag. Normally, weather permitting, there were patriotic songs, a special speaker, taps, and a bagpipe medley before a fellowship meal was shared by the participants at the cemetery. This year most of the program, and the common meal occurred in town at St. Johns Church. The 2008 keynote speaker was Richard Erickson (US Army Reserves) who has only just recently completed his second tour of duty in Iraq. Richard is a quiet, soft spoken man of few words; but in his presentation, he so eloquently shared thoughts on an experience that will forever be a part of his life experience (and now ours). He looked upon his action as both a duty and a responsibility requiring sacrifices and support beyond his own person. He drew upon his family, his community, his faith, and his friends. He singled out his brother John, Leslie (John’s wife) and his mother Donna, for taking care of his two teen age children during his 23 month absence for special thanks. And…he thanked the audience of friends and neighbors for their letters, packages, and prayers. He was SO glad to be home! In describing the ongoing conflict over there, Richard made a distinction that is so often missed in the discussions about both Iraq and Afghanistan. This is “a war,” but it is a war without distinct borders, without distinct sovereign players, without distinct ethnicities, or even distinct nationalities. (Richard’s words.) So often you just don’t know who is a friend, or a foe, until the shooting begins. These are very important components because without distinctly definable players, it is almost impossible to define success, failure, or achieve a conclusion. It is a warfare of “-ISMs” - (Fred’s words, not Richard’s.) The 150, or so, attendees hung on his every word, and were all deeply moved. The same was true for oldest attending veteran’s (Carl Hill) presentation about the “Spirit of Creston” which followed Richard’s. In the conversations across many of the tables during the communal meal held in the Church’s fellowship hall, a primary focus remained about our ongoing presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is very understandable given that literally everyone in this little Northern Illinois community of under 600 has at least one family member, friend, and/ or loved one (or more) presently serving in Afghanistan, or Iraq, (or has one in training and soon to be deployed there). There is Jason (1), Greg, Jason (2), Ann, Kevin, and Derek already over there. Adam is in training at Camp Pendleton, and Charlie is in training at Fort Benning. I should point out that these are ONLY the names of those who are aged 24 and younger! This alone equates to well over 1% of our total local population (of all ages). Please TH*NK about the implications of THAT for a moment!!! For us in this small rural community in America’s Heartland each name equates to a face with a family – all of whom we know and love. We are the “Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.” Please remember these young people (and their families) in your Memorial Day thoughts and prayers. I’m Fred Cederholm and I’ve been thinking. You should be thinking, too.
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