In the words of Lee Greenwood...
In the words of Lee Greenwood.... "And I'm proud to be an American. Where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, and gave that right to me...."
I don't care much anymore for the politics of war. Wars happen. They have existed since the beginning of time and will continue to exist until our demise.
I care about soldiers.
Veteran's Day. Some of you may be more affected than others today. Maybe you know someone who has served our country, or God forbid, you've lost a hero. For our foreign friends, you too have ancestors and relatives who have served your countries and fought for security and freedom. In the last century, so many of our nations have banded together to stand against evil.
This is not just a National holiday. It is a Global one.
This Veteran's Day, I want to tell you all about one soldier in particular. Because they are not nameless men and women. Each solder is someone's child, sibling, lover, friend. They're unique. And even though they move as a unit, they have fiery, individual spirits that give them the bravery to face uncertainty and danger.
Sgt. Scott Kirkpatrick was my friend.
I remember in elementary school, he was a crossing guard. He was two grades ahead of me, but really only about a year older. He was smart. In the gifted program. He was a serious crossing guard, keeping vagrant children from dallying in the traffic of minivans that flooded the school parking lot every afternoon.
He would talk to me, which made me feel cool because even kids in my own class wouldn't talk to me....so if an older kid paid attention to you, that was a MAJOR deal.
In middle school, Scott was in 8th grade when I was in 6th. There were two plays that year. I guess he had gotten pretty involved in drama during his years in Jr. High, so by 8th grade, he was the king of Sterling Middle School Theater. He was cast as the lead in one of the plays. I was cast as the lead in the other. There was a friendly rivalry between the two casts. Ours was about a dude that goes on 7 dates, called "Snowy White and the 7 Chics." Their play was about ghosts and hauntings and a big ol mansion. On the night that the shows were performed, I knew I had been beat. My leading male couldn't remember any of his lines so I had to mouth them to him. But Scott....he was so powerful on stage. Their show was infinitely better, and it was because of him. He was a star. In high school, I got involved with the drama department right away, and again, Scott was King. He got the lead in everything, because he was sharp and layered and brave on stage. Very quickly he took me under his wing. He was an explorer, and knew more about art and literature and poetry and music than anyone I had ever met. I had tried my damnedest to enter high school and leave the years of getting made fun of behind me by becoming a cheerleader and a prep. But Scott knew me better. He knew there was a secret freak inside, and through his mentoring, I too began to explore. He introduced me to all his friends...people who talked about REAL ideas and didn't just gossip. We debated ferociously....me coming from a very conservative republican background and Scott coming from one of the most liberal families in our little southern suburb. He forced me to be able to back up my ideas and questioned me enough that I started thinking for myself instead of just repeating what I'd been taught.
He took me to coffee houses where we performed slam poetry and he'd sing songs on the guitar.
He is the boy that taught me how to write. He was my leading man. Even after I moved away to NY, every time I came home, I'd make an effort to see him and the old gang of politic-spitting, religious-questioning, artists.
After September 11th, he joined the military. The most liberal man I knew was gonna go fight a war in the most Republican President's army. The way it was explained to me was this....Scott so greatly valued his right to free speech that it disturbed him there was so much oppression elsewhere in the world. It was a decision most of us didn't see coming. But it made him all the more interesting. And if he was anything, it was interesting.
So, he cut off his long blonde hair and turned in his Kurt Cobain-esque wardrobe for fatigues and a gun.
We reconnected after his first tour of duty. Found each other on Myspace. I told him that I wanted to start writing scripts and producing movies and he told me to save a few parts for him after he got out of the military. And I couldn't wait for that.
Scott was killed in action 2 years ago. The funeral at Arlington National Cemetery looked like a Halloween parade, with all our goth friends following Scott's casket as it was pulled by horse and carriage.
I have never gotten over this loss.
Please today, do not glance over the names that show up in the news. Honor the individual. Say thank you when you see a soldier. It is by God's grace that such brave men and women exist, protecting us and our naivete to the horrors of this world.
Sgt. Scott L. Kirkpatrick
"Warrior Poet"
KIA August 11, 2007
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Thank you for posting this, it is a breath-taking account, as ever. I am still working on a few pieces myself, but nothing amazing is forthcoming.
Hope all is well otherwise, and glad to see you are creating.
be in touch,
S
I just got this... it was sent to me by my Uncle Ed, Scott's dad (Scott's mom and my dad are siblings). Thank you so much for the beautiful words. I'll be seeing some of the old NoVa gang (Sean, Bevan, Stan, Mike, etc) this evening, and I will definitely let them know about this, in case they haven't seen it yet. :)
Hugs,
Suzy Deppa, Baltimore, MD
except thank you for this Hilarie! I just found the post via a Google alert, only a month late. You know what Scott would say don't you? "Awesome!" You said it wonderfully so I won't add anything else here to what you said except that if anyone wants to know more about Scott and his poetry they can visit the site I keep for him -There the NPR link has two recordings of Scott performing his poetry.
http://www.edkirkpatrick.com/scott/index.htm
Today was the "Wreaths Across America" event at Arlington. I went down early at sunrise on a cold 24* morning with another Gold Star mom (Marti was working) to help lay over 15,000 wreaths on graves there, http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/
There were nearly 5000 people gathered to do this and they have been doing it for 17 years.
Thanks again and you know Marti and I love you, please visit some time when you are home!
Never forget!
Ed
Proud Father of Sgt. Scott Lange Kirkpatrick
KIA 8-11-2007 Arab Jabour, Iraq, #3685
Bronze Star, Purple Heart, State of Maryland Patriot Medal, Missed terribly
hello hilarie,
that was really a amazing testament for your friend and also for all others which outsite to fight for OUR freedom and OUR happiness.
hopfully all our friends will come home healthy and save.
God bless them.
bye marian
Hil,
I REALLY admire you in multiple ways and it's been awhile since I had the opportunity to read any of your blogs but I just read this one and I wanted to tell you THANK YOU for sharing that with us. It really helped me open up perspectively, which you tend to help me do anyway...I am very sorry for your loss and I know what it is to lose a personal hero, a person who actively makes the world shine a little brighter and reminds you that hey, there's more to life then the daily grind. I want to thank Scott for helping you become the beautiful person you are today. But most of all I want to thank you for being you. You mean alot to me and have help me further myself in life, and believe that if I really want it I can go get it. Thank you!:D
CR
Thank you for reminding us that behind every soldiers name is a life, a story. I had tears slowly rolling down my cheeks at the end of your writing. I have a little story to share with you, I teach kindergarten and on September 11th one of my student's, actually two as they were twins, went home at noon and entered their house loudly singing You're a Grand Old Flag, which was the song we sang in the classroom after saying the pledge of allegiance. Their mother had been watching the tv all morning, towers falling, attack on the Pentagon, the flight in Pennsylvania, and she told me that when they returned home that way, innocently singing with no idea of what had happened, she lost it for a minute. Then she told me about a cd she had by Lee Greenwood that she thought I would like. She loaned me the cd, then I bought it. It has him singing the Pledge of Allegiance, as well as God Bless the USA, and I have used it every year since. Thank you for sharing your story. I was touched!
Thank you for the beautiful and touching story. Obviously your friend Scott did a fantastic job teaching you, and be happy that pieces of him are still present in you and your friends. Though he may no longer be here in the flesh, his spirit will live on, as long as he is remembered and his story is shared. You are doing his memory a great honor by sharing his, and your story, with the Southern Gothic Community. I also applaud your use of the Lee Greenwood song, it always brings me to tears, and your interpretation of the lyrics really brings the song around. I always remember the significance of Veterens Day, and I will always support the troops, no matter if I agree with the war. Thanks for sharing. Beautiful words Hilarie, beautiful words.
-Olivia
That was truly touching.I am deeply sorry for your loss. He sounds like quite an influential man. I cant pretend to know what you're going through, however, I am truly deeply sorry .
What you say is just so amazing... Really
My brother joined the military too but he's more in the office than in the field but if there is a big war or if they just ask him to leave, he can't refuse... So I, as all my family and his wife are kind of , you know, anxious about that...
Thank you to those words, it makes me feel better about all this whole thing! thanks again
This story is truly touching, your friend sounds like an amazing person, war is a tragedy which often leads towards a terrible fate.
It truly sounds as ifhe has left a bright mark on many peoples lives
:)
Hi Hilarie,
thank you for sharing.
i'm really sorry for your loss. like you said, people always leave(from OTH). this is life, sucks, but you gonna love it. i think your friend will proud of you, me too.
god bless you, your family and friends. best wishes
Hilarie,
God Bless You!!! Reading about your relationship with this man whom I have never had the chance of meeting broke my heart and made me wish I could meet him. He sounded like he was an amazing human being, and I knew it was coming at the end but I couldn't help myself from having to regroup myself. Idk if it's because of what happened recently here in Texas at Ford Hood, or if it's because I just got home from work and I'm exhausted... but it broke my heart to read this. My neighbor's husband is also in the military and he is currently stationed at Fort Hood. He was one of the lucky ones who made it out that day without being injured or murdered. On his most recent tour, he was shot in his upper arm and has gone through numerous surgeries to correct everything from his injury. I, like you, am not too worried about the war as I am more worried about our men and women fighting in it.
Again, God Bless! I know you know this, but your a real inspiration to all of your fans and I feel like I can speak for all of us when I say we love you and will always have your back with whatever you do.
Also, I hope you had a good Veterans Day!!
-Shaun-
You are wonderful, Hilarie to be so open with your friendship and love. It is nice to know that you are famous and still remember your family and friends. My nephew was in the marine corp during the years 2003 thru 2007 and he return home. Thank God!! He did 3 tours in Iraq and came home to us, we were really lucky. His mother, my sister, lived only 8 months after his return. She was 43 years old. She worried over him for the time he was gone and then he came home and she passed away suddenly. His first phone call home was very emotional but he is was so happy. He made a friend in Iraq and little girl who was five. He talk about her for hours. He hung up and we didn't talk to him for a few days. The next time he called he was very sad, the little girl he had made friends got killed the next day, he was very upset. So to say he didn't make any more friend over there because it was to hard to lose them.
So we know how hard it is to lose someone you only briefly met but they change your life. So to lose someone you have known longer is even harder. I am so sorry for you lost. He seemed like he was a wonderful person and thank you for sharing with us his story.
I have a poem for you called Tommorrow Never Comes by Norma Marek.
If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you fall asleep I would tuck you in more tightly, and pray the Lord your soul to keep. If I knew it would be the last time that I'd see you walk out the door, I would give you a hug and kiss, and call you back for just one more.
If I knew it would be the last time I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise, I would tape each word and action, and play them back throughout my days, If I knew it would be the last time, I would spare an extra minute or two, To stop and say "I love you," instead of assuming you know I do.
So, just in case tommorrow never comes, and today is all I get, I'd like to say how much I love you, and I hope we never will forget. Tommorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike, And today may be the last chance you get to hold your loved one tight.
So, if you're waiting for tommorrow, why not do it today? For if tommorrow never comes, you're surely regret the day That you didn't take that extra time for a smile, a hug, or a kiss, And you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today, and whisper in their ear, That you love them very much, and you'll always hold them dear. Take time to say "I'm sorry, " "Please forgive me," "Thank you" or "it's okay". And if tommorrow never comes, you'll have no regrets about today.
So Hilarie, God Bless you and yours.
P. S. It is so good to know that you turned out the wonderful person we came to love on the show.
Rejinna
Hi, Hilarie.
First of all .. I am Brazilian, for this reason do not be scared with my bad English. Translate all online. Sorry.
Here we do not fight against other countries, the war is between us, violence frightens us. We also lose our heroes soon.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us
Hi Hil!
Thank your for sharing your childhood memories of a very special individual.
You are so lucky that you knew such a talented, creative, self-sacrificing, kind, open-hearted person - not many of us had the fortune of knowing and loving such a person - but I guess you already knew that.
I'm sorry for your loss. God knows that may country (Israel) knew and continues to know (unfortunately) many of those sacrifices and losses and overwhelming grief.
May Scott rest in peace.
Hilarie, I find you so brave in your willingness to share so much of your personal self with us your fans. I also found your memorial to your friend to be extremely candid and moving. My grandfather fought in a segregated unit during WWII. Even though he was treated as a second class citizen in the U.S. and overseas, he fought like a first class hero and was awarded the purple heart and the bronze and silver stars. He went on to defend our country here at home during the Korean War. When he died two years ago, he was also honored in a beautiful ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.
I also admire your commitment to your beliefs and convictions. However, I just have to say and I mean absolutely no disrespect when I say this: I whole heartedly disagree with you that we should accept war as a part of life. As long as we accept hate, violence, and intolerance it will continue to happen. No one should have to fight for their own or anyone else's freedom; it should be a natural born right. I think it is possible to love, honor, and support soldiers, but still abhor and speak out against the continuation of war or violence of any kind by one human against another. I have a genuine love for soldiers (family, friends, and strangers) that is as strong and true as my love of peace. I work with children all day long that are growing up around so much violence and poverty that they can't seem to help, but carry around disturbing levels of hate in their hearts everyday. I will not accept that their is no solution or hope for a better future for children that grow up with extreme adversity, even though stories of these kinds of children have ended badly for centuries I'm sure.
I'm all for being realistic and working with what you've got, but hope is a good thing. I hope that soon we will have an end to our current war, I hope that someday we will have an end to all war, and I hope that someday families and friends won't have to say goodbye to beautiful and courageous people who died before their time.
I do apologize for rambling a bit, but I am very moved by what you said, even though I don't completely agree.
Thank you again, Caitlin
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/not-f orgotten/4od/player/3009371
I am whatever I want to be.
YOU'RE RIGHT. WAR AINT GOIN NOWHERE. ALL WE CAN DO IS REMEMBER OUT HEROES. COS THEY ARE HEROES. THEY'RE FIGHTING OR FOUGHT FOR US. SO WE CAN SLEEP SOUND IN OUR SAFE BEDS. MY FAMILY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF BEING A PART OF THE BRITISH MILITARY AND IT'S SOMETHING I AM TRULLY PROUD OF. THEY REALLY DID FIGHT FOR THE BETTER TOMORROW. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, THEY DIDNT HAVE TO DO THAT. WHETHER WAR IS JUST OR NOT, WE STILL GOTTA HONOUR THE MEN, BECAUSE HALF OF EM, THEY DON'T KNOW OR CARE ABOUT THE POLITICS. THEY'RE JUST FIGHTING FOR WHAT THEY FEEL IS RIGHT...
I am whatever I want to be.
Here I was learning about WWI during Veterans' Day (entire coincidence.) My great-great-great-great-great Uncle was shot down in the Battle of the Somme on the first day in the first troup to go over the top. I think that it is incredible that so many people are willing to do whatever it takes, even dying, for someone's - not always their own - freedom. Freedom is the one thing we need the most besides food, water and shelter. Without it human existance would cease to have meaning. I am proud and honoured to be of a country where freedom is something that we can all experience. I think that on Veterans' Day one should not only think about the people of the past who have risked and lost their lives for those of other people but also those who will in the future. I am sorry to hear about your friend, he sounded like a great and kind person who deserved the greatest respect. I am sorry that he died.
Here is a quick poem I wrote:
On the beat of the rolling drum,
Through the rain to kingdom come,
Hand in hand we march together
Into the rain and stormy weather.
Not man nor beast can hold us back,
Our eyes are fixed when we attack,
For there is nothing we shall not do
To give the freedom we own to you.
And if indeed we shall not prevail,
Our names in history you should not hail,
For all is lost when nothing is gained,
And so we stand here in the rain.
Wow! i felt the tears soaking my checks as I read this post. The words in this blog are truely powerful ones. I too loss someone very dear to me two years ago and even though I miss them and my heart breaks that much more when I hear their name, I know that they are in a much better place now. And, even though their passing was sudden and unexpected, and even though I didn't get to say goodbye, I have good reason to beileve that they're sitting in Heaven right now looking down at me with a smile on their face because they know that I love them too. And, I am positive your friend is doing just the same right now and I am sure he is so proud of you Hilarie. And, maybe you won't get over this great loss today, or tomarrow, or even years to come but someday...someday. Thank you so very much for sharing your powerful but yet very private experience with us.
whitney
Thank you so much Hilarie for sharing your story with us. You have an amazing way with words. Every 11/11 my guide company and other uiformed organisations hold a special service and march at church before congragating at a memorial to those who have died. It is always so moving especially to know that they are not names on a brick they are people, people never to be forgotten.
Your friend sounds like an exceptional person and one whom is very improtant. I am sorry you lost him.
God bless those who strive for peace and protect those that fight for it.
Laura
Once again, now that im signed in...
great to hear about such a clearly honoured friend and hero.
Gemma Jones
He sounds like a beautiful guy, and your thoughts and memories of him were beautifully written.
As long as we remember those fallen, then will never be forgotten.
Support always, Gemma Jones
Thanks for taking the time to recognize those that give their lives for this country. While I don't have as heart-wrenching of a story as yours, I am eternally grateful to my father, uncles and cousins who served in Vietnam and Korea. My family honored them by purchasing bricks with each of their names engraved for a local veterans memorial in our town. We go out there a few times a year and photograph the bricks, add new ones for family friends and just reflect. Even if may seem an abstract concept to some, I hope at least on Veteran's Day we can realize what you expressed so eloquently......Everyone we've lost meant something to someone.
And this Lee Greenwood song never fails to stir emotion in me. When I was about 9 my dance instructor decided to use it as the finale song for our annual recital. It was the height of the Gulf War and while I didn't understand the war, I understood how much emotion this song evoked in our parents in the audience. As all their children, ranging in age from 3 to 18, stood on that stage waving their flags and singing this song the tears came down. It was so touching to me even as a young child and I've never been able to listen to this song without getting the chills as that memory comes back to me. Even as I turn 27 today. Thanks for once again putting such a personal topic into passionate and perfect words to share with all of us.
Hey Hilarie, Its Great To Hear From You. I Only Seen A Few Soldiers Yesterday And One Veteran, But I Did Thank Them. This Is A Sad Story. I Have A Very Similar Friend, A Goth, Musician And Tortured Artist Type. He Was New To My High School When I Was In My Sophmore Year And Was In A Few Of My Classes. Because He Was Different And A Little Dark And Mysterious People Were Leary Of him. But HE Was Brilliant. Smart As A Whip. But I Thought He Was Cute. He Is.(*_*) And HE Was nice To Me And We Became Good Friends. It Turned Out He Lived Right Up The Road from ME So He Offered To Give Me A Ride Home. And He Did Every Day. Which Was Cool Because I Didnt HAve A License Or Vehicle Yet. So I Didnt Have To Ride The Bus. WE BEcame The BEst Of Friends And Even Dated For A Long Time. We Are Still Close To This Day. But Its HArd With The Distance, We Dont Get To Talk Or See EAch Other Much. He Joined The Army Almost Four Years Ago. No One Saw It Coming, He Was The Last Person You Would Think Would Do Such A Thing. He Was Shipped Right To Korea For The First Two Years, Then Right To Baghdad. He's Been There For The Last Two Years. He Was Only Home Once A Year For Maybe A Week And A Half At Most. He Showed Me Pictures Of The Country And Where He Lived And What He Did And Some Of The Things HE Told Me He Had Seen And The Pictures He Showed Me Were Gruesome. And Being There Definitly Has Affected Him Alot. But He Is Still The Same Sweet Soul. Fortunately He Is Still With Us, Unlike Your Friend. Im Deeply Sorry For You And Your Loss Of What Seems Like A Great Friend, Hilarie. But Your Description Of Scott Reminded Me Of My Friend. Thank You for Sharing And Again Im Sorry for Your Loss Dear.
All My Love
Always, MWR
I'm touched by this story, the tears are leaving my eyes. beautiful that you share this with us. I'm very sorry for your loss, he sounds amazing!
x Sharon
Like everyone before me I was deeply moved with what you had to say and the heartbreaking story you shared.
Every sentence I read touched me in enormously.
War is simply tragic. More then people care to realise.
I'm so sorry that one of your friends was taken from you so suddenly. He most definitely left a mark on you. And I am sure that all you have learned from him has guided you in this life.
-Alina
Be a DO-er!
I can feel tears welling up behind my eyes..thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I cant even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for you to loose your close friend. When someone leaves such a powerful mark on you like that you never really get over it...i guess you just learn to deal with the loss and carry on. I lost a friend that left a huge mark on my life as well...not in the same way but his death still haunts me...Thank you posting this blog it really puts so much in to perspective.
Take care of yourself
-Nats
This story was all at once beautiful and heartbreaking. It really puts things into perspective. You should be proud to call such an amazing person your friend. I'm so sorry for your loss, but so thankful that you shared this story with us.
Julia
This blog brought me to tears, I am so sorry for your loss, It is easy to see that your friend was a great man, It is good to hear that you for the time he was here you were able to learn from him and that he could shape who you are, I'm sure that really means a lot to you. Thank you for sharing this personal story with us, I'm sure it's not an easy thing to discuss,.
I always think about how grateful I am for our men and women in the service who risk their lives for us because they really are true heroes in our country today as they have always been. They are filled with a type of courage that I know I myself could never have and for that they should be honnored for the great things they do and have done fr our country. My Uncle is in the British marines and was in Iraq for a time a few years ago, I was younger then but the impact of that time was still very strong which is just another reason why I feel so blessed.
Wow Hilarie, this brought me to tears, thank you very much for sharing your beautiful yet personal story. He sounds like he was one very amazing and talented man with a great spirit. In the photo he looks like he belongs on the stage and I am saddened that I'll never get to see that great talent perform. Right now my sisters boyfriend is serving his fourth tour in Iraq and we are all so very proud of him, yet worried and holding our breath for his safe return. I absolutely love that Lee Greenwood song, it is one of my favorites....."And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, cuz there aint no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA".....and every soldier across the globe!!
Hilarie,
That post was overwhelmingly touching and thank you for sharing that. I was in NYC for work today and surrounded by heroes all day on the streets. Thank you for continuing to treat us with your thoughts and amazing words and making us feel like a part of your world. You're an exceptional person and your kindness is so refreshing.
Gina.
This blog brought me to tears, im sorry for your loss and im glad you had someone that special in your life for the time he was. thank you for sharing your story.
Val
Hilarie,
I am so touched reading this, so so touched
Oh Hil this was a beautiful share into u and your friends life. It was so nice that you got to be inspired by a man like Scott. I will say a prayer of thanks in his honor and in honor of all those men and women that risk everything for us and what they believe in. My father is a Veteran and he served not once but twice in Vietnam and my uncles served in WWII I was lucky enough to get to share my life with them and I am so sorry that your time with Scott was cut short he sounded like he was what being an American is all about!! I am sure he is still your guardian angel giving hope, inspiration, and guidance when you need it most just like when you were growing up..take care and I hope you are having fun with Nick!
~Dana
Oh I also wanted to tell you Hil if you get to read this that there is this great book "the five people you meet in heaven" by Mitch Albom if you haven't read it I truely recommend it..It is a fascinating take on heaven and maybe if this is how it really works Scott could be one of your people. ~Dana
Hilarie,
Your words are so beautiful and so healing to me. Thank you. You inspire me. I have lost many friends along my way, and it does change you and change your world view. Thank you for relating that for so many in such an intimate way.
Lisamarie
Hilarie, thank you for sharing your beautiful words and memories of your dear friend. I'm so sorry for your loss. My grandfather died before I was born, but I know he served, as did one of my uncles, in Vietnam. Thank you for reminding us to take the time out to thank those who work so hard and sacrifice so much for everyone else's lives.
<3 Michelle
Bless those who have fought and died to make the world a safer place for us and who continue to do so. Thank you for sharing this personal story with us and for reminding us to look at the names not the numbers.
Would recommend this song for anyone interested - it came into my head shortly after reading Hilarie's post. Very simple and touching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tzLlpVP6OU
hi hilarie i'm so sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing those memories with us.
reading this reminded me of my grandfather. he used to be a soldier too during world war II. he's been away from his wife and his child for two years; he's been shot and he's been in prison during the war, but for all his life, everytime he was telling me all his memories about that period i never saw regrets or complaining on his eyes because he believed in freedom and he was proud and honored to fight for it.
he was a strong and tough man, but deep down inside he had the heart of a poet. he was my mentor, i learned a lot from him about music and poetry and literature and art. and he was also my best friend.
i miss him everyday, but i'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to share a part of my life with a hero and i'm sure you are too
My uncle just got back from his first tour in Afghanistan. He's in his fifties and has chosen now to do active duty, knowing that there is a war going on and that he's there for his country and his family. He flies the big supply plane called the Hercules, which they've had to reinforce with steel so that it's more protected. When my uncle came home he was flown back with the last Canadian soldier who died and unfortunately for all of us here at home, he was to go back for two more tours starting after Christmas. I do not like that he is over there, probably getting shot at but at the same time I am proud that my uncle is over there serving his country.
Hilarie, you are an amazing writer!
What a beautiful peace of writting.
This story is so touching and I'm so sorry for your lost.
I can tell that he was extremely talented since he was the one who pushed and helped you to make it this far.
I absolutely agree with you, Hilaire. I think war is something that we will always be around in our lifetimes and that is unfortunate. Every night you hear of some soldier that has died overseas and your heart breaks. I believe - as I am sure you do too - that the media can truly just be overbearing in so many ways. But I know here in Boston each and every time we lose a soldier they take the time, day after day, to humanize these victims and show us how lucky we are to have them fighting for us.
Just recently, a young father due home in two weeks for the birth of his son was killed in a helicopter crash. Over the past week, he was our brother and I think in a way we all grieved for him and his family. It was so sad as all these deaths have been. I am thankful my brother served when our country was at "peace." I would never have wanted to feel the anxiety of having him away from us.
There is a great new song by Five for Fighting titled, "Note to an Unknown Soldier" - it truly depicts what I think a great deal of us feel every day. I think often of their lives overseas and how we continue to live ours while theirs is on hold.
Maybe someday you can name one of your heros in a production after him :)
Nicole - Boston
that is really sad. i am in AFJOTC in my high school and today we marched in the Knoxville Veteran's Day Parade. it was weird to see how people were like thank you for what you do for our country. it almost made me cry that they felt like we were really in the Air Force. hayley
Wow, powerful stuff.
There was a point in my life when I was really interested in war literature - I read every single play, poem and novel about the first world war i could get my hands on, with a mammoth comparative essay in mind. Most of the quotes I was once able to rhyme off at will have gone now, but your post reminded me of a part of a Sassoon poem which mentions "these intolerably nameless names." It's true what they say that sometimes it seems one death is a tragedy and a thousand is a statistic.
Thank you for reminding us to think about people, not just numbers.
HIlarie, thanks for sharing something so personal on a day that can be quite difficult for people to take part in. I too have a high school friend who is currently serving in the Marines in Iraq. He's from one of the most liberal families in our town, and he has three younger sisters. Luckily he can communicate occasionally by email and facebook. Usually if I get the chance to talk to him I always want him to tell me he's happy and safe, which he always claims, but who really knows. I'm terrified for him, and his family, and all the other men and women involved with this war...but really I'm most worried about the kids. The kids of military men and women, who, if they're lucky will get their parents back in one piece, but they may no longer be the same people they were before they left. We live in difficult times, and I wish more public figures like you took the time to acknowledge what's happening and what has happened.
Thank you for the words and the story. I hope you and Scott's family find some peace in this day.
While I was growing up, November 11 was always a Statutory Holiday. For the week before a Verteran from our local Legion would come and tell us stories about his experience. I still remember getting goose bumps when their voices would break from the memories. A few years ago, Ontario decided that there was too much "lost productivity" so the date is no longer an observed holiday (it is still recognized in all other provinces/territories save Quebec). Today, my school aged children (5th and 7th grades) had a visit from a very different type of Veteran. It wasn't the aged Vet of my younger years but instead was a very young man home from Afghanistan. It was an experience they won't soon forget.
You have Lee Greenwood; this is Terry Kelly...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYlrrAWCTRg
This gets me every year and makes me hold my kids a little closer.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Hilarie. It's heartbreaking an tragic. I feel for you and the loss that happened 2 years a go. There are some losses that take something more than time to get over. I look up to great actors, and the way you described him makes me actually a little upset that i'll never get to watch him on stage. From that photo he looks like a stong willed man. Doing what he thought was right. And so for you i will also honour his death, as there's no one else i know from the war.
Today in school my grade 10 drama class did a presentation in the assembly. It wasn't anything special but it was to remember everyone who died in the war.
Thanks for sharing your photo too! I think i see you in the background.