I am submitting something I wrote after joining a couple thousand people (mostly veterans) standing outside the memorial of a young Marine from Nashville Tennessee last week. And the images are from that day also.
The images and sounds of Monday, June 13, 2011 will be with me for a very long time.
I have never in my life seen so many veterans and waving flags, or heard the thunderous roar of so many motorcycles as I did while I stood in front of Woodmont Hills Family of God Church during the memorial for Sgt. Kevin B. Balduf.
A few weeks before, I was sad to hear about the young Marine from Nashville that was killed in Afghanistan. I cringed when I heard that the notorious protesters from Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas were also planning to attend. As the daughter of a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, there was no doubt in my mind where I wanted to be during the time of that memorial.
When I first arrived, the sight of the enormous crowd of patriots brought me to persistent tears. I experienced the same feeling I get when I stand- hand over heart- while listening to the Star Spangled Banner. As I walked through the crowd, my heart was so full of love for America, and overflowing with gratitude for the brave men and women (past and present) who defend her with their very lives.
Protesters will continue to protest- ironically enough because someone will fight for their right to do so- but every time they do, it is a perfect invitation for regular people like you and me to also gather together and stand in the presence of heroes.
Glenda Joy Clark