This morning I watched Gen. Keane recount his last day in uniform. It was spent at Arlington National Cemetery where he laid a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Here was a man recounting 40 years of service and his fallen comrades. It was clear this memory was very emotional for the general. Those that have served can all relate.
In my time as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot my wife and I attended many memorial services. These were all friends, men that I trusted and had learned to count on. I usually held it together until the missing man flyover. This is where four jets fly over in a fingertip formation and just over the church one of the jets suddenly pulls up and heads straight up towards the heavens. Just thinking of this brings tears to my eyes.
Just like the hole that jet leaves in the formation as it departs skyward so do our fallen heroes leave a hole in our lives. Honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice but also remember those left behind to press on with their lives. Without the sacrifice of these brave men and women and the families they left behind we would not live free!
So today, let us remember that each gravestone represents a patriot that loved his country as well as a family that also made a tremendous sacrifice when their loved one was taken away.
God bless you all,
John Ramstead
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