STOP TO SALUTE

It was raining "cats and dogs" and I was late for physical training.
Traffic was backed up at Fort Campbell, Kentucky., and was moving way too slowly.
I was probably going to be late and I was growing more and more impatient.

The pace slowed almost to a standstill as I passed Memorial Grove, the site built to honor the soldiers who died in the Gander airplane crash, the worst redeployment accident in the history of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

Because it was close to Memorial Day, a small American flag had been placed in the ground next to each soldier's memorial plaque.

My concern at the time, however, was getting past the bottleneck,
getting out of the rain and getting to PT on time.

All of a sudden, infuriatingly, just as the traffic was getting started again,
the car in front of me stopped. A soldier, a private of course,
jumped out in the pouring rain and ran over toward the grove.

I couldn't believe it! This knucklehead was holding up everyone for who knows what kind of prank. Horns were honking. I couldn't wait to see the butt-chewing that
he was going to get for making me late.

He was getting soaked to the skin. His BDUs were plastered to his frame.
I watched-as he ran up to one of the memorial plaques, picked up the small
American flag that had fallen to the ground in the wind and the rain,
and set it upright again.

Then, slowly, he came to attention, saluted, ran back to his car, and drove off.
I'll never forget that incident. That soldier, whose name I will never know,
taught me more about duty, honor, and respect than a hundred books or a thousand lectures.

That simple salute -- that single act of honoring his fallen brother and his flag --
encapsulated all the Army values in one gesture for me. It said, "I will never forget.
I will keep the faith. I will finish the mission. I am an American soldier."

I thank God for examples like that.

And on this Memorial Day,
I will remember all those who paid the ultimate price for my freedom,
and one private, soaked to the skin, who honored them.

True account written by Army Captain John Rasmussen

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Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service.  In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries.  A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.

How to Participate

Participation is voluntary and informal. You may observe in your own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever you are doing for a moment of silence or listening to "Taps."

You may also organize the observance more formally at such places as your neighborhood, local pool, picnic grounds, etc., for one minute of remembrance. You may ring a bell to signify the beginning and the end of the Moment or tune in to a local radio station that is observing the Moment with the playing of "Taps." If you are driving a vehicle, you may turn on your headlights.

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