On this Memorial Day my thoughts go to my late brother Mark, who, while he didn’t actually die while serving in combat, was as much a casualty of war as anyone who did. He carried the heavy burden of the things he had done while serving in Operation Desert Storm and just wasn’t able to in the end reconcile it as stuff soldiers are called to do in wartime. He had his flaws like all of us did, but he was a good soul. This poem by a Mrs. Lyman Hancock goes out to him and all those who have died and mourn their passing on this Memorial Day:

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.

Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,

And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

May you all find the rest in God’s love and peace that you never were able to achieve in life. You’re all far better and more courageous people than I could ever hope to be.

Hat tip: The Memorial Day Tribute