Again the Angels Cried
Posted: Sunday, December 11, 2011
by Patricia Barbee
http://www.patriciabarbee.com
Again the Angels cried, Saturday, 10 December 2011 was the day the Wreaths Across America were set at Arlington National Cemetery, other National Cemeteries plus cemeteries in all States.
At U. S. Army, Fort Stewart, Georgia, holy ground is at Cottrell Field. Set there are Eastern Redbud Trees to represent each member of the Third Infantry Division that gave their all over the past ten years.
The first year the sun was bright and beautiful.
Each year since the Angels have cried and soaked all attendees. Do keep in mind all in uniforms have no umbrellas. This includes the local ROTC high school members; Scouts and other youth organizations that assist to honor the deceased and give love to their families.
In Friday's weather forecasts, none mentioned a drop of rain.
All Gold Star Families were to gather at the Chapel and get a chance to meet each other before being escorted to their reserved places for the Ceremony.
From my residence, I stepped out to overcast skies. Rain falls in this nook when no one else gets a drop. I started the engine of my car. Water on the windshield!
My brain flipped for a moment. Yesterday, I washed the windows with pink colored cleaner; how could water still be there? Okay, Patricia, the morning fog had left enough water. Oh, no! That is rain.
I left my community and rolled south on the Interstate and exited for Fort Stewart.
The entire trip was overcast and rain fell intermittently.
Arriving at the Chapel, was no rain, but overcast. People were doing umbrella checks.
Those at the Chapel greeting were most kind and welcoming. I was the iris in the petunia patch. I am a Marine Corps widow highly loved by the Army.
Some families there, I've known for a while. I met others for the first time that I'd met on a social network.
When it was time to be escorted to Cottrell Field, a retired soldier was driving our special golf cart. Upon arrival, I was greeted from the heart my many. I heard my name called and turned and got the best sisterly hug from the President of the "SAMS", that is the Sergeant Audie Murphy Society Club. To be a "SAMS" the NCO has to be the best of the best at their occupation on Fort Stewart.
To know one "SAMS" is to be enlightened. I'm Blessed! to know most of them on Post, about forty, out of over twenty thousand assigned soldiers.
Yes, the late Sgt. Audie Murphy, is only known to many only as a movie star was indeed a member of the Third Infantry Division, "Rock of the Marne".
After the Ceremony, the families were escorted to their Hero's tree to set their Wreath.
I got another golf cart ride to my auto with a Wreath designated for a local community. My escort was the awesome lady SFC, President of the "SAMS".
With reverence the Wreath was placed in my car. We parted company with promises to see the "SAMS" in a few months.
I made my cell phone connections with the Chief of Police who was awaiting my call.
The Chief met me at a designated spot leaving Fort Stewart and with all Federal lights floating in his vehicle, the Wreath was escorted to the City's Memorial Park.
As we made our way back to the City, autos heading toward Fort Stewart, pulled to the side of the road in reverence to our funereal speed.
Yes, there is always one. A young man in his "new" pick-up truck with temporary license plates does not realize he'll never get another pass for speeding over the posted signs and passing the Chief's vehicle with his Federal lights floating.
I'm so sure the Chief made note of that young man and his truck.
Again at the Memorial Park, this City Ceremony has been done in complete silence for the past five years. This was the last time the Mayor would set the Wreath with me. Her term in office ends in weeks. The Mayor and I set the Wreath and the Chief assisting us in securing it.
The loudest messages can be heard in complete silence.
To all the military Heroes of America, male and female, we Remember you.
Patricia Barbee © 2011 Patricia Barbee WryteStuff.com Author!
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