Dear editor:

Did we citizens recently take time to speak about, or teach our youth about Memorial Day? Surely most had a planned purpose, by tradition, or by their expression of sincere beliefs, to share the importance of this observance (not just a "holiday") and help their children learn this lesson.

I also pray that those fortunate, youthful members of our community felt inspired and found a noble way to periodically honor our many service members in their homes and neighborhoods. 

Memorial Day means a lot to U.S. veterans for a number of reasons. Too often they said goodbye to fellow service members who had their lives cut short in battle.

Please understand that my fellow veterans often do not speak about their experiences in public, yet they still feel, within their bosoms, pain from tragic experiences. They definitely avoid reliving some very traumatic combat experiences.  

These honorable men and women, who eventually hung up their uniforms, still elect to serve. They often dedicate precious time serving their community. 

In addition, these warriors forever reflect on their losses. They honor those close friends and other unit members who gave their lives for what they viewed as a sacred cause.

I recently asked one of my fellow veterans, "Did you lose any 'buddies' in Vietnam?" He quickly responded, "Yes! Several." And he paused for a moment.

Then, soon afterwards, I heard him proudly tell about a great officer who cared about him and his buddies, constantly making decisions that brought them relief from extreme conditions in their jungle environment, the hellish conditions in which these brave young people repeatedly fought.

Going back to the 1960s and 1970s, I know from personal experiences that many of us felt unappreciated, and experienced humiliation, while wearing our military uniforms; all because we chose to serve during the Vietnam War. 

In so many cases, veterans carried on, even while faced by the verbal insults or lack of appreciation. Their love of God and country didn't deter their selfless determination to be loyal to their oath, to support and defend their country against all enemies.

Thank you citizens of Powell, Wyoming. We veterans appreciate your prayers and your many efforts to spread the word: Freedom comes with a huge price. You truly remember that some souls among us have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

We are also grateful that so many others, who chose to enlist in the service, have willingly suffered battle wounds; some visible, and in other cases, not evident externally. 

For too many veterans, their inner wounds are ever-present. They silently suffer unseen, inner struggles from their service; even many years after serving in the armed services of the United States of America. Yet, it is an ideal goal [with support from their buddies], that they endure their adversity, to the best of their abilities.

God bless the USA and all veterans from Wyoming and elsewhere who served in the U.S. military, plus the families and close friends who constantly strive to offer them comfort.

Ed Morrow

Local American Legion post historian, Powell