Travis Johnson
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Anyone who has ever been to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has probably marveled at the precision drilling that the military does there at the changing of the guard. Or heard those echoing steps tap a cross the long, long, long rows of white crosses that rise and fall in time with the topography of the land on Arlington Nation Cemetery. Or has marveled at the words so expertly chiseled into such a stately, but hard granite monument.
When I was there, I could not help but think of something better for that memorial...a backhoe ripping it apart, the military guards being sent home and the granite used for some other purpose.
Why? Because it wouldn't it be nice to not have a single soldier, in any conflict, past or present, that was not accounted for? There simply would be no need for a memorial.
I don't think there can be any greater injustice then to have a soldier give his life for his country and never have his identity recorded in documents, memorialized on a town plague, or have the news delivered to his family.
But unfortunately it happens, and all too often. So today we remember ALL Veterans, and I thank all of them whether felled by a bullet, age, or still living, and I indeed thank you all. But I must say, there is a special moment today, on the 11th hour, of the 11ith minute, and the 11th second that time will stand still and EVERY UNKNOWN SOLDIER, in any conflict will indeed have a name...that name is Hero.
Thank you for your service, and rest in peace.
When I was there, I could not help but think of something better for that memorial...a backhoe ripping it apart, the military guards being sent home and the granite used for some other purpose.
Why? Because it wouldn't it be nice to not have a single soldier, in any conflict, past or present, that was not accounted for? There simply would be no need for a memorial.
I don't think there can be any greater injustice then to have a soldier give his life for his country and never have his identity recorded in documents, memorialized on a town plague, or have the news delivered to his family.
But unfortunately it happens, and all too often. So today we remember ALL Veterans, and I thank all of them whether felled by a bullet, age, or still living, and I indeed thank you all. But I must say, there is a special moment today, on the 11th hour, of the 11ith minute, and the 11th second that time will stand still and EVERY UNKNOWN SOLDIER, in any conflict will indeed have a name...that name is Hero.
Thank you for your service, and rest in peace.