September 11th, 2021
Medical Lake State Veteran’s Cemetery

The 9/11 anniversary fell on the Saturday of one of the last Army Reserve drills I’ll ever participate in.  Retirements looms. We had an event at a local veteran’s cemetery this morning that I wasn’t looking forward to as standing in formation while long speeches are made is not my idea of a good time.

It was nice, though.

Standing in uniform (not in formation) listening to a few short remarks from our First Sergeant, our Chaplain, then our commander.  Under a huge half-staff flag fluttering in a brisk wind in a beautiful location.  Looking out over headstones of those who served in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as those who served honorably without ever deploying to a combat zone.  Every single soldier in our group having volunteered to serve during time of war.

An appropriately solemn occasion for an old gray soldier to reflect on a 25-year Army career that will soon draw to a close.