A couple weeks ago, a soldier, a Hunt Talker, who was on his umpteenth tour in Afghanistan surprised me with a package as thanks for the DVDs and other things we send to troops who are deployed to dangerous areas. In that package was something special and serves to increase my strong connection to Memorial Day.
In the package was a bracelet he personally made from items in his EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) kit. It is made of three colors of p-cord that he uses in his daily work, dangerous work. His note explained that each color; black, red, and green, represents someone.
I have worn it since he sent it. Its colors remind me of those who have served/are serving our country.
Black is for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect our freedoms and are no longer with us. I wear the black in honor of Army Major, Robert L. Olson; a close childhood friend who perished during a training exercise in 2001.
Red is for those who have been injured in battle. I wear the red in honor of John Cushman and the fellow soldiers he helped so bravely. John's perseverance and determination gives me inspiration.
Green is for those who are currently serving. For me, the green is worn for my nephew, Marine Cody Nicholson, for whom I pray for strength and safety as he completes his duty.
As I look at the colors, I can place many other names to each color, both alive and since passed, who remind me of the sacrifices they and their families pay for our freedom. All of them have remarkable stories that are worthy of telling.
Thanks for sending this, Ray. I wear it proudly and it means a lot to me.
The bracelet in its entirety represents all who are serving and all who have served. I am in debt to all and will pay respects tomorrow morning at the local Memorial Day service here in Bozeman. Thank you, though such gesture seems inadequate for the debt that is owed.
Happy Memorial Day to all. May those in service to our country return home safe.
In the package was a bracelet he personally made from items in his EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) kit. It is made of three colors of p-cord that he uses in his daily work, dangerous work. His note explained that each color; black, red, and green, represents someone.
I have worn it since he sent it. Its colors remind me of those who have served/are serving our country.
Black is for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving to protect our freedoms and are no longer with us. I wear the black in honor of Army Major, Robert L. Olson; a close childhood friend who perished during a training exercise in 2001.
Red is for those who have been injured in battle. I wear the red in honor of John Cushman and the fellow soldiers he helped so bravely. John's perseverance and determination gives me inspiration.
Green is for those who are currently serving. For me, the green is worn for my nephew, Marine Cody Nicholson, for whom I pray for strength and safety as he completes his duty.
As I look at the colors, I can place many other names to each color, both alive and since passed, who remind me of the sacrifices they and their families pay for our freedom. All of them have remarkable stories that are worthy of telling.
Thanks for sending this, Ray. I wear it proudly and it means a lot to me.
The bracelet in its entirety represents all who are serving and all who have served. I am in debt to all and will pay respects tomorrow morning at the local Memorial Day service here in Bozeman. Thank you, though such gesture seems inadequate for the debt that is owed.
Happy Memorial Day to all. May those in service to our country return home safe.
