[*Essay by Liz Sorensen Wessel]

Take This Hand  

On the day when our soldiers took their stand, 
leaving behind them their life, their love; a 
voice inside said "this is my wish that you
defend my shores till peace returns." 

So, take this hand, it is broken, crippled for 
you, your life to protect, every time that you 
look, a Memorial you'll see, for unto to you,
I gave my all. 

Let each person give thought to where I've been, leaving behind them criticism and condemnation, for where I've been, it brought tears and fear yet, inside I knew, that peace would return. 

So, take this hand, it has been shattered, 
broken for you, your life to protect, every time 
that you see me, a Memorial you'll see, for unto to you, I gave my all. 

To each and every person that gave of themselves during time of conflict, I dedicate this to you, for you truly have given your all, for each of us.

By J. Mabury, a twenty year veteran with the Army (retired 1976).

   During war, how many letters have been written to those who anxiously wait at home and hope for their loved one’s safe return? The harsh reality of war shreds any illusion of endless tomorrows and with the poignancy of life’s precious nature people find the courage to live love wholeheartedly and to profess their love unequivocally.

The hand that wrote the above letter was my uncle Jim to his sister, Elizabeth (my mom) during World War II. How happy she must have been to receive an answered prayer from her older brother; to know that he was alive, at least for the moment. What joy to discover he had also seen her husband, Phil while they were both serving in the chaos overseas.

My mother has told us the following story that my dad never chose to disclose. My father was drafted and my grandfather, who was described as a pacifist, did not wish to see his son ship off to war. He was desperate to save his only child from the perils and carnage he was about to encounter. It seems that my grandfather had a connection with a high ranking officer in the military and he arranged a meeting with him. This general offered my dad a chance to avoid military service. To this my dad replied, “I think I will take my chances with the other boys.”

My parents were soon married and dad reported for duty. Elizabeth and Phil would not see each other again for four years. My father was a medic in the Army and he served at the Battle of the Bulge. He never spoke of the war. Yet, in his last days of life I caught a glimpse os some of what he must have gone through while he relived some distressing flashbacks.

As his father before him, my dad sent off his first born son, Philip to serve in Vietnam War. Today my heart remembers both my father and my eldest brother, with love and gratitude.

Is there someone you wish to give tribute to today? We invite you to share your heart’s remembrance.

Liz Sorensen Wessel

 I leave you with the following video from veteran, Melvin Amrine. Please click on the URL in my comment below.