TO WARRIORS: MEMORIAL DAY

In Flanders Fields

By Moina Michael

We cherish too, the Poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led,
t seems to signal to the skies
That blood of heroes never dies.

This is a fictional story I have written in honor of MEMORIAL DAY WARRIORS. This story is written without gender references to HONOR both MEN AND WOMEN in service to our Country.

Since I was little I knew something was different about me. We would all play ‘Army’ and war games, drink Kool-Aid when we were finished and then go home. But for me the game did not end. It continued to play in my heart and my mind. I loved the game, I lived for the strategy, I felt the commitment to not only winning but to the feelings the game gave me.

As I became older, the feelings were deeper and commitment to team work, strength and conditioning, seemed very real to me. It was not about guns or war, but feelings toward giving, service, loyalty, and honor. I was developing intrinsically an inner source of strength. The love of GOD encompassed my thoughts and soul in a deep manner. When I saw the poster of Uncle Sam pointing his finger at me my calling was clear—I signed up.

Starting my career the words of loyalty, service, dedication, and GOD were all words that were familiar to me. Teamwork was something I adored and war games reflected past memories. One day an offer was made to volunteer for service on the front lines—my hand went up without hesitation—I WAS A WARRIOR and I knew it. This was my calling; this was my gift, GOD created me to be a WARRIOR. In life I could not be anything else—it was instinct.

For some reason, even though my friends and family did not understand the reasons, I was being exactly what I was designed to be. I was serving my Country, My GOD, honoring my commitments and dedication to my team—we were all WARRIORS. Something caused us to bond like no one ever explained to me before. I felt the cohesiveness of a warrior spirit—never wanting to be a hero, but just to serve the team, GOD, and Country first and foremost. I AM A WARRIOR at your service.

Honor those who serve us today.

I believe in you because YOU ARE WORTH IT,
Jeff