And it's about those who are serving right now.
And, Strangely, It's About Those Of Us Who Never Served
Memorial Day isn't just for veterans, their families and — all too often — their survivors.
It's also about how all of us — including those of us who have never served — are changed by the service of others. Guided by Harvey Mackay's 66, I always thank those who serve and often others how they feel about having not served.
A teacher of mine, Danny Gordis, once said that he was surprised to realize that "he had always thought he was so privileged to be a member of the first generation of people in the history of the world who did not have to fight for their way of life." (I'm paraphrasing here; he was more eloquent.) Among the surprises, Gordis teaches, is that there is no free ride. We all pay.
Today, Peggy Noonan writes so beautifully — as she does nearly every Saturday — in The Wall Street Journal. Her "Those Who Make Us Say 'Oh!'
— A tribute to America's war heroes, past and present" is a well-crafted, moving memorial.
This week, after my creativity class, on the way to my car, I crossed the Ohio State University Oval, where amid a sun-drenched sea of bikinis and Frisbees, the ROTC was recognizing the achievements of its students. I'm old enough to remember when ROTC was demeaned on campuses.
War happens. I respect the warriors who stand ready to face the battle.
In honor of those who served, including my father, Arthur J. Isaac, Jr., of blessed memory, and my brothers-in-law, Joe Landrock and Joe Martin.