Thank You

The local NPR station did a piece today on the people who meet the bodies of returning soldiers and carry them off the plane at Dover. Memorable comments included quotes about the respect inherent in remaining visibly emotionless, the power of the moment in which the soldier is returned to American soil, and the weight discrepancy between the caskets ("transfer cases") that contain entire bodies and those that don't. One man talked about knowing that a fellow Marine, a fallen Marine, would not be upset about his fate.

I cannot imagine joining the armed forces or accepting the possibility of death in the course of a day's work, but that makes me appreciate the sacrifice so much more. Sometimes understanding is unnecessary.

Thank you to all our servicemen and -women.