Memorial Day 2010. I have attended every Memorial Day service in Westcliffe since we moved here, which makes 3 times. I am embarrassed to say that I did not give Memorial Day adequate attention in my pre-Colorado life. This is such a close knit community, many veterans are my friends, and the town has parades and activities on the Saturday before Memorial Day, it has become a meaningful day to me. Additionally, my dad died in early August 2007, the first year we were here. I think that first attendance was in honor of him, as much as anything.

This year was meaningful because my nephew, Jeff, has been serving in Afghanistan this past year and will be returning to Fort Lewis, WA in a few weeks. I thought of him alot. The day was gorgeous, blue skies, light clouds, snow dusted mountains as a back drop. I forgot the sun screen that I reminded myself to use as I was dressing, so I got a little too much sun on my neck and arms, but it was worth it.

I was particularly moved by two of the speakers. The representative of the American Legion Auxiliary is a mother of a young Marine, currently serving in Iraq a “blue star” mom. She talked about how the American Legion Auxiliary Red Poppy got its name, and about her concerns for and her pride in her son. She has a young dog that she takes to visit wounded veterans for therapy, schools, and other programs to talk about not forgetting our veterans. She is collecting donations for our soldiers and sending boxes to Iraq and Afghanistan each month. She made a comment that I thought I would remember so I could post it here, but I didn’t, so I can’t, but take my word for it, I liked it and it brought a tear to my eye. Should have brought a notebook!

The second speaker was Dave Roever. He is a wounded veteran of the Viet Nam war and has created Eagles Summit Ranch here in the beautiful Westcliffe valley. He has been bringing wounded soldiers to his ranch for healing and therapy for three years. I have not been to one of their graduation ceremonies,  but I understand it is an amazing experience as the soldiers talk about their journey and what this experience meant to them. Dave is a minister, motivational speaker, and a genuine mover and shaker in the efforts to help our returning soldiers. I understand that a Texas ranch is in the works as well. Here is an article from Fort Carson about this program.  I had heard a lot about Dave from my friends, and it was great to hear him in person.

It was also special to have soldiers from a Fort Carson Medical Unit, recently returned from a tour of duty in the middle east on hand. They had set up one of their portable medical units for people to tour and learn about their jobs. They got a standing ovation when introduced. There was also a mounted Honor Guard, there is probably a name for this, but I don’t know it. There were 2 soldiers with swords on either side of soldiers carrying the American and Colorado state flags. The four horses to my eyes, were perfectly matched in color and size and were well trained. The soldiers were dressed in what looked like historic cavalry officers uniforms. They were a very nice addition to the program. And finally, we had a fly over by two jets from the Colorado National Guard. Last year the weather was too overcast and the fly over had to be canceled.

I wonder at these events, if I could qualify as a member of the American Legion Auxilliary because I have a neice and nephew currently serving in the Coast Guard and Army, respectively, or as the daughter of a veteran of WWII? Maybe one of these days, I will ask. There were quite a few families / individuals who stood when prompted as “Blue Star Families”, and unfortunately, there was one lady who stood at the prompt for “Gold Star Families”, which meant a family member had died in service to their country during a war or military action. The original “Blue, Silver or Gold Stars” displayeed in the window of a family’s home started in 1917 during WWI.  There is now a revived movement for Blue Star Families, using all of cybertechnology to enhance support for the families and their soldiers.

In conclusion, I would like to honor our family members who have or are currently serving in our military: Army, Navy, Coast Guard.   William Barber – WWI, OP Doyle Sr, Andy O’Connell, Marty O’Connell, WWII, OP Doyle Jr, Mike Means, Spc. Jeffrey Doyle, Lt. Rebecca Doyle. I thank you for your service.

I only have one picture from the Memorial Day Program presented by our American Legion Post 170. It shows the mounted Honor Guard, the riderless or caparisoned horse – honoring a fallen leader, and a few of our American Legion motorcycle Honor Guard, and of course, the mountains.