Soldiers

They went to war. Every one of them left somebody behind, someone who cared for them, loved them and would never recover if they were lost. They had no idea what to expect when they boarded that bus last September, only that some, or all of them might not come back. Well, they are coming back. Finally, they’re on their way home.

Behind the hugs and handshakes, pats on the back and all that lies something deeper. “Welcome Home” is what I’ll say when they get off the bus. What I feel I know I’ll never say out loud, it’s just not something that comes easy to me.

“You stood tall, conquered your fears, did your job and did it well. You endured months of loneliness in a hostile desert, saw things that will haunt your dreams forever. You did what was right, not because somebody told you to, but because you said you would do what it takes when you joined The Guard. You were good to your word.

Nobody can take that away from you. For the rest of your lives you will carry with you the memories. Some people may forget what you did, but those are the ones who never cared to begin with. They wouldn’t stand up for themselves in times of trouble. You stood up for them and the rest of us, and for that, those of us who do care are forever grateful.

Things haven’t changed much since you were gone. We’ve aged a year, and so have you. Something grew during that time. Something that can’t be seen unless you look closely. People will never look at you the same way again. You may not feel differently, but we will see you in a different light. We’ll see what you are; valiant soldiers who have earned our respect.

Enjoy it; few deserve it, most will never experience it, you will wear it for as long as you live.”

Thank you, Brother, and all the members of the 1207th Transportation Company of the Rhode Island National Guard.

Welcome Home