Page 7 - Sanger Herald 5-31-18 E-edition

volunteers, Boy Scouts and members of The Commit-
tee of Those Who Served, a Sanger based veteran's group that organizes the Marine Corps Ball every year on Nov. 10, the birthday of the United States Marine Corps in 1775.
Here is the full text of Niemeyer's Memorial Day speech:
I want to say what a privilege it is for me to have the opportunity to be here with you this morning as we remember those who have given their lives in the pursuit of freedom.
George Patton said it this way - It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.
Around 670,000 – Ameri- cans have given their lives for the cause of freedom – each one building upon the founda- tion of blood laid down by those who preceded them in death.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of life that we fail to remem- ber and thank God that there are such men and women who are willing to sacrifice it all so that we can be free.
I have had the honor to serve with some of Ameri- cas best men and women in times of peace and in war.
One of my most memo- rable times was spent with JSOC in Afghanistan where I had the privileged of standing next to men on the battle field who serve in the Army, Airforce, Navy and Marines.
As a Navy chaplain I have a different perspective on how I see those serving in our armedforces. AsItalked with different ones from dif- ferent branches of the service there was a common theme that makes up the mindset of our fighting men and women and that was their devotion, even to the point of death, to
their unit, their service, free- dom and the United States and her people.
As a chaplain, everyone reporting to a new unit came to my office. I would ask them several questions. One such question was, 'Why are you here and why did you join the service?' For those who were new I would often hear answers such as, 'I want to get the GI bill for college,' 'my dad and my brothers served and I am follow-
ing the family tradition,' 'I came in the military to learn discipline' or 'I came in the military to escape a bad situ- ation at home.'
All of those are valid responses but none of them in and of itself is worthy of dying for.
Time in the service has a way of transforming the way that you think.
Time has a way of giving you a different perspective on why you are there and why you serve – when asking those who have started the transformation - they would tell me that they serve be- cause they love our God, our nation, our fellowman and all who love and desire freedom.
Having served in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have seen the realities and the pain of war. (TV and movies often paint a story that gives you the im- pression that there is some- thing glamorous about war
– but looking at mangled and lifeless bodies is anything but glamorous).
I would often get a call and be asked to join a unit on a mission. For those who were preparing to go into battle there was something calming to know that if I am about to die and leave this world there will be someone who will be with me and help usher me to my final resting place.
Unfortunately, it was also my responsibility to view and
pray over each individual in our unit who was killed in ac- tion. AsIwouldlookontheir lifeless bodies some almost unrecognizable, I would often remember standing next
to them eating field rations or talking with them while they were on watch – they would often talk about home and their desire to see their families once again but at the same time knowing that death could be just around the corner.
When I was stationed state side and they were bringing home a fallen service member, I would be there to meet the plane upon its arrival. As I would walk in front of the flag draped casket I could not help but look upon the faces of their family and all of those who were left behind and who will have to continue to carry the torch being both mom and dad to children who no longer have a mom or dad.
Why do I tell you this – less than 1 percent of our population serve in the military – and for some this holiday will mean little more than a day off work, a day out of school and maybe a time for family and a barbecue.
For me and for all who have served especially in times of war, Memorial Day serves as a reminder that there are men and women and families from all walks of life who have sacrificed everything so that we can continue to live in this great nation called America.
As I see our nation's flag as it is honored at a ball game, as it flies over our government buildings, our churches and public places, I can still see the caskets of our fallen service members draped with the flag as they are being ushered to their final earthly resting place.
Because of the symbol of freedom and the young lives thatwerelostinprotecting that freedom I am greatly disturbed when I see people desecrating our flag - who will not honor it by giving it the reverence it deserves, not thinking about all of those who have given their lives
so that they could have the right and privilege to show disrespect to our nation, our service men and women – and our flag.
I know there is nothing sacred about the colors,
red, white and blue – there
is nothing sacred about the shape or the materials that
it is made from – but what is sacred is found in its mean- ing and the great sacrifices that have been given since the birth of our nation to now.
I have conducted too many memorial services both on the battle field and here at home for our fallen service members. There is a part of the service that I have witnessed for retirement ceremonies as well as some memorial service that both inspires me and moves me. It's when our flag is being folded to be given to a retiree or to a family who has lost their loved one. Someone is reading the story of our flag.
I want to conclude our time by reading that same story to you this morning – my hope and prayer is that when you see our flag – that you will never look at it the same again – that you will be reminded and not just on Memorial Day but every day that you are free because someone paid for your free- dom with their life.
'I am the flag of the United States of America.
'My name is Old Glory. I fly atop the world's tallest buildings. I stand watch in America's halls of justice. I
Dick Sheppard/Sanger Herald
Before the service begins Ralph Davila, left, and Robert Huey of AMVETS Post 98 arrange a traditional "Battlefield Cross" memo- rial. It consists of a soldier’s boots, rifle, dog tags and helmet. The boots are placed on the ground. The rifle’s bayonet is stuck in the ground behind the boots. The dog tags are hung from the rifle’s grip and the helmet is placed atop the butt of the rifle.
SANGER HERALD 7A THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2018
REMEMBERING: It is so easy to get wrapped up in the busyness of life that we fail to remember and thank God that there are such men and women who are willing to sacrifice it all so that we can be free.
Continued from page 1A
Photos by Dick Sheppard/Sanger Herald
Sally Hernandez, right, with her friend Josie Cardenas, came to the cemetary to put flags on the graves of her father, WWII vet- eran Benito Zuniga, and her cousin, Vietnam veteran Vincent Zuniga. Hernandez who now lives in Selma is a 1972 Sanger High School graduate.
Anita and John Bart place a traditional memorial wreath in honor of all those who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces of the United States.
fly majestically over institu- tions of learning. I stand guard with power in the world. Look up and see me.
'I stand for peace, honor, truthandjustice. Istand
for freedom. I am confident.
I am arrogant. I am proud. When I am flown with my fellow banners, My head is a little higher, My colors a little truer. I bow to no one! I am recognized all over the world.
'I am worshipped - I am saluted. I am loved - I am revered -Iamrespected-I am feared.
'I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years. I was flown atValleyForge,Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appamatox. I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy, Guam, Okinawa, Korea and Khe San, Saigon, Vietnam. And the Persian Gulf and a score of places long forgotten, by all but those who were therewithme. Ioftenwas dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me and I was proud.
'I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free. It does not hurt for
I am invincible. I have been soiledupon,burned,tornand trampled in the streets of
my own country. And when it's done by those whom I've served in battle - it hurts. But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
'I have slipped the bonds of earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers ofspacefrommyvantage point on the moon. I have born silent witness to all of America's finest hours. But my finest hours are yet to come. WhenIamtorninto strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades
on the battle field, when I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a griev- ing parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud. I am the flag
of the United States of America.'
The reporter can be con- tacted by email at sangerher- ald@gmailcom.
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