Flags have been flying this weekend in remembrance and respect for the military men and women who gave their lives in the defense of the country. Their sacrifice, most often at an early age before they could enjoy a family and a career, occurred around the world.
On the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into World War I, we are reminded that it was America’s potential military might – especially the large number of men who would volunteer or be drafted – which the Germans feared. In 18 months the war, which had consumed much of Europe, was over.
At the end of 1941, the U.S. again came to the aid of the British, French and Russians to again defeat Germany to protect democracy. The two wars on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean resulted in more than 1 million American casualties, deaths and injuries combined.
And while those were major conflicts, among others, lives are also lost at home, in training and during medical care.
Every serviceman and woman who did not come home left a gap in the relationships of loved ones, family and friends, which never heals. It diminishes a bit, perhaps, but never is entirely gone.
Today, Memorial Day, take a moment to fortify those memories of past relationships and help others do the same. Fly the flag with respect, and thank those who do as well.
Memorial Day events today include a 10 a.m. service along the bank of the Animas River at what would be West 12th Street, which centers on the lives lost in Vietnam. At 11 a.m., there is a memorial at the entrance to Greenmount Cemetery.
Both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars will be open today. The American Legion post in Durango, Trujillo-Sheets American Legion Post #28, is named for two men who lost their lives in World War I.
Jose Enrique Trujillo, the son of a Durango smelter worker and rancher, died in September 1918 on a French battlefield. Wiley Sheets, who had been a student at Durango High School, died in fighting a month later. The La Plata County Historical Society’s recent publication, History La Plata, is devoted to World War I’s local impact.
When you see the flags today, think of the men and women who gave their lives. They deserve at least a moment of our time.
