Some Thoughts on Memorial Day

Elberon, NJ May 29, 2000 Aaron H. Schectman

THINKING ALLOWED
Essays on issues, ideas and reflections on the times. Published now and
then. Opinions pro or con are welcome.
Thoughts on Memorial Day

On the wall in the hall outside of my office are seven pen and ink
portraits of fellow soldiers in World War II. I sketched them in the
barracks of our infantry training camp in Camp Croft in Spartansburg, South
Carolina from January 3rd to February 10th, 1945. These are the best of my
efforts that remain in my possession. I actually made two portraits of each
of the men in my platoon and sent one of each to their homes. I have not
heard from any of them except one whom I met at Rutgers University where we
both attended after we were shipped home.

I have often wondered what happened to these men who lived with me in that
barracks building during the fall and early winter. This was before they
were shipped out early because of the Battle of the Bulge. I was kept
behind because someone slipped up and I was not examined or given G.I.
glasses until a week or so later. I missed the Battle the Bulge and got
over in time to join the 66th Infantry on the West Coast of France a month
or two before the end of the war in Europe.

Someone told me that most of the soldiers who were shipped over hastily for
that important battle were inexperienced replacements and served as cannon
fodder. I guess this is so. I was lucky and missed out on the shooting
war. I was really lucky that some stateside headquarters clerk messed up my
records and thus saved my life. I was also lucky that I was able to serve
in France, Germany and Austria. I was mostly lucky being one of the last
men to be sent home from the 232nd Infantry where I ended up in Salzburg. I
was given the temporary rank of Master Sergeant and was responsible for
signing off on material missing due to battle damage I never really
witnessed. The men who never came back had no luck at all.

Memorial Day is one of those holidays (not HOLY days) which are given
perfunctory notice but enjoyed because here in America they are used for a
weekend off from work, partying and eating. The soldiers who trained with
me and who were ill prepared to be thrown into a terrible battle did not
come away with memories and return to life and get on with living in
momentous times. Many died early or late but that didn't matter. They did
not come back.

These are momentous times. We are at the threshold of another millennium.
It would be meaningful if we could cast our minds back over the years and
really memorialize the sacrifices of countless soldiers and civilians in
wars we have never been able to explain intelligently. It would be
wonderful if the lives of those who never returned home would count for
something more than a holiday where people rest or play and gather around
food and being together. I suppose we are sort of congratulating ourselves
for having survived and being able to enjoy the good things life has to
offer. It is only right that we stop and spend a few moments to remember
those for whom this holiday was created.
Carol's Evaluation: 10 out of 10