13 Names Etched in Stone

That is the number if California National Guardsman that have died in combat. There is a small shrine to them built on Cp Roberts. It was built as a fountain back in the 40's when Bob was a POW camp. It was built by Italian POW's. It was discovered during new construction, and turned into its present form. Its both beautiful and sobering at the same time. These were men that went off and left families. They were as young as 19 (a baby) and as old as 43(still young in my book). I think that I am more scared of leaving my family behind to go on, and failing my comrades than I am of dying.

I have been accused of being brainwashed by some, and this may be true to a certain extent, but there is a certain nobility in being a Soldier. A certain trait that drives people to serve something greater than themselves. The thought of my mother changing the inevitable blue star to a gold one(people with family members deployed to war hang a flag with a red border, white background, and a blue star, one for each member deployed. This star changes to gold when a member of the family is killed), makes me sick. I believe that some of us are destined to do or be certain things in our lives. Some are cops, teachers, lawyers. Some of us are Soldiers. We are called scum by some, babykillers by others, heroes, and 1000 other names. All of those do a disservice to everyone who wears a uniform. We are no different than any one else, we CHOSE(or were chosen, some would say) to do something that most others wouldn't do. We love, we hate, we have our faults just like anyone else.

When I see those names on that fountain, the crossed rifles, my heart is heavy with sadness. I would hope that all people, regardless of your views of the war, would take time and think about the 2100 or so men and women that left and came back under the American flag. The next time you walk down the street, or are driving down the freeway, please take a minute and think about those that will never see those things again, and ask yourself, what would it take for you to fight?


Sorry for the sanguine nature of this post, I am feeling kind of melancholy lately and a little depressed, it will pass. Its not in my nature to be depressed for long, I am too much of a goofy dork to be in a funk for long.


EDIT: Just minutes after I finished writing this, I was informed(as are all Full Time Guard), that 3 members of the California Army National Guard, were killed on 3 consecutive days. Friday was not a good day for us. My heart and prayers go out to the families. Bringing the total of 16 names etched in stone.