Let’s not forget those who gave all this Memorial Day

Tuesday, April 26
April 26, 2011
Louisiana Art and Science Museum (Baton Rouge)
April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26
April 26, 2011
Louisiana Art and Science Museum (Baton Rouge)
April 28, 2011

Dear Editor,


Perhaps, this Memorial Day, people can do more than just go to a parade. They can stand when they see the flag. They can salute what it stands for. For we veterans have saluted so many flags in a ceremony when a fallen hero was leaving. We saluted and held our tears as, within, our hearts broke.

I looked up to the heavens and saw darkness. What seemed like locusts were,


But angels with wings spread and coming down to Earth.


They were coming not to conquer, but to comfort.

For they knew of the tears that would fall this Memorial Day.


There is a storm of tears approaching.


I can hear the thunderous sound of breaking hearts.

The whistling in the winds are cries for those that have left us.


There is a storm approaching and let us all take heed,


For tears shall fall like rain and rivers of sorrow shall form.

Do not take shelter from this storm,


but embrace it and allow the warm rain to soothe your pain.


Look up to the clouds and you will see the thousand faces of heroes that gave all they could for the love of country and freedom.

Within my heart there is an emptiness, where only sorrow resides.

I have seen the young faces of those who passed too soon,

And my soul has been seared by the weeping of those left behind.

Dreams that will not be met. Promises that were stilled by life.

But what they left, no one can take away.

They left memories, love and the precious gift of freedom.

So when you stand in the rain, look around and you will see a thousand more standing in lines,

Proudly holding up a flag, a banner, a symbol of what love of country means.

This storm will pass, but never shall their memories.

This Memorial Day, know that you are not alone.

Know that many stand with you and many more acknowledge what you gave for our country and what you lost to protect it.

There is a storm coming … and I shall await it … and reach for you.

GSMC (SW) Jose G. Acosta, U.S. Navy ret.,

Houma