By Mitchell Shields, Guest Columnist
I went to a gas station for a gallon of gas. I needed to do some weed whacking.
When I pulled up to the pump, there was a truck with Georgia plates sitting on the other side. That is not unusual in Murphy or Hayesville. We are so close that the state line becomes invisible. We are all one.
There was an emblem on the tag that caught my attention, a Gold Star. You see, it was more than 54 years ago that I stepped off a plane in Camron Bay, South Vietnam. That tag brought back a lot of memories and questions. I’ll not bore you with those, because most are not interested anymore.
It seems we are becoming desensitized to war and the impact on individuals, families, friends and nations. When you experience pain over a long period of time, callouses develop. The body is trying to protect you from pain. But there is a need for pain.
I got out of my comfort zone and talked to the dad in that Georgia truck. I made it through the short conversation without tears.
In short, I said, “I have no way to understand your loss or pain. But as a solider and dad, I want you and your family to know your loss was not in vain. You and your family are not forgotten, and you are not alone.”
He said, “I know, I served in Vietnam, and our son died in Iraqi. The American Legion has been very good to us.”
He finished pumping his gas, and dad and mom continued on their way.
There was one additional characteristic I noticed – his facial expression was very somber. There are some life events that never leave you.
In a few weeks, our nation will arrive at “Memorial Day” weekend. Memorial Day is designated to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Here are a few facts that keep you protected, give you the right to burn the flag they served under and protest against one of our strongest allies. These numbers are taken from military sources: from 1775 to 2019; 666,441-plus combat deaths and 673,929-plus other casualties. Each one of these numbers is much more than just a number.
If you know a Gold Star family member, a warm hug, firm hand shake and the words, “You are not forgotten,” means a lot to them.
The worst thing this nation can do is “FORGET.”
I remember; I met a HERO today.
Mitchell Shields, a retired U.S. Army veteran, is a member of American Legion Post 532 in Hayesville.