Here we are .... sort of Memorial Day

Memorial Day .... a time for remembrance

If this does not seem to be the usual sort of Memorial Day post that you are accustomed to, it is because it is not meant to be. I ordinarily would not use motion picture clips or script lines pertaining to war on solemn occasions and with beautiful music, but did today because, obviously, the drama of war can be portrayed more vividly in a film than in actuality. I think the clip and the composition go well together for Memorial Day, and I hope the combination stirs your emotions in a positive manner.

The words here -- those below -- are the thoughts of Chris Taylor, a young soldier played by Charlie Sheen in the film, "Platoon," as he is being evacuated the morning after a horrific night battle. The words were written by Oliver Stone, who both wrote and directed the movie, and who had been an infantryman with the U.S. Army in Vietnam.

The song, "Adagio for Strings," was a primary piece in the film and featured in the scene focusing on the death of Sergeant Elias Grodin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Sgt. Grodin had been shot by and left for dead by Sgt. Bob Barnes, played by Tom Berenger. Sgt. Grodin, however, was not dead and, as the platoon "choppers out," he is seen fleeing from and killed by enemy forces. The music was composed by Samuel Barber in 1936.

The photograph is said to be of a young Marine who served in Vietnam. I have been unable to verify that, so suffice to say it is a representation of a young man who may or may not have been a Marine who served in Vietnam. I would add to that it is not at all unusual or unique to encounter Marines who do look this young -- in fact, I think I did when I signed on the dotted line at age eighteen.

By the way, this is only "sort of Memorial Day" for me. I am old-fashioned and think of Memorial Day as May 30 -- as it traditionally was until Congress decided to "mess with it" .... this is the initial of two posts ....

I think now, looking back,

we did not fight the enemy,
we fought ourselves --
and the enemy was in us ...

The war is over for me now,

but it will always be there --
the rest of my days. 
As I am sure Elias will be --
fighting with Barnes
for what Rhah called possession
of my soul ...

There are times since I have felt

like the child born
of those two fathers ...
but be that as it may,
those of us who did make it
have an obligation to build again,
to teach to others what we know
and to try with what's left
of our lives
to find a goodness and meaning
to this life ...