This Memorial Day holds a very special and somber place in the heart's of the Cheek family. our new Son-In-Law (Mary's Husband) Josh is in IRAQ, and to say we are worried is to say the least, so today in our household we will celebrate with a prayer not only for Josh but for all the men and women in uniform who are at the present in harm's way.
Also, let us not forget the ones who have fallen, and especially those known only to God.
Why the 24 hour a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year Guard at the Tomb of the Unknows.
It is part honor, part symbolism, but more so to just say that we never forget. By keeping a guard there 24/7/365, we are honoring all of those who have fallen and have never been found or identified.
Some may find this tradition odd or wasteful, but those are the ones who truly do not understand. Believe it or not, there is a profound difference between a soldier who falls on the battlefield and whose body is recovered versus a soldier whose whereabouts are never known. Psychologically it is many times harder for a family to never know just what happened to their loved one because they do not have closure. If they knew their loved one died, they could begin the healing process and begin to move on, but for the families of those whose bodies have never been recovered, that emptiness in their hearts will forever and always remain.
Also, let us not forget the ones who have fallen, and especially those known only to God.
Why the 24 hour a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year Guard at the Tomb of the Unknows.
It is part honor, part symbolism, but more so to just say that we never forget. By keeping a guard there 24/7/365, we are honoring all of those who have fallen and have never been found or identified.
Some may find this tradition odd or wasteful, but those are the ones who truly do not understand. Believe it or not, there is a profound difference between a soldier who falls on the battlefield and whose body is recovered versus a soldier whose whereabouts are never known. Psychologically it is many times harder for a family to never know just what happened to their loved one because they do not have closure. If they knew their loved one died, they could begin the healing process and begin to move on, but for the families of those whose bodies have never been recovered, that emptiness in their hearts will forever and always remain.