Who are these ones who would lead us now
To the sound of a thousand guns.
In the hills of France and on German soil.
From Saigon to Wounded Knee.
Who come from long lines of soldiers
Whose duty was fulfilled.
Gordon Lightfoot wrote the haunting lyrics to "Protocol" in the early 1970s as a reminder of the horrors of war and the scars left for families and loved ones. The many veterans I have spoken with in the last two years tell stories that give you chills.
Fred Scott, who I have written on extensively, showed a quiet courage and a resilience few can match. He survived the sinking of his troop ship off the coast of France during the waning months of the European conflict. Sixty years or so after the war, the pain is still with him. The pain of many of these veterans is not of their personal trials and tribulations but of the comrades they left behind.
There was Al Henke, who served with the 99th Bombing Group and flew long-distance missions from the Sicilian coast into Germany. They were laying the groundwork for the final phase of the European conflict. Nancy Henke-Konopasek was recently at Hartsfield Village sharing stories he brought back from those missions some 60 years ago. The retirement community is probably filled with soldiers and their loved ones who can talk of participating in a larger cause, the fight for our survival during a world war.
Nick and Joe Sarengach, brothers by blood and brothers in war, fought in Anzio and Normandy respectively. Nick lost part of his leg as the Allied forces fought their way from Anzio and up the Italian peninsula. Joe, having enlisted in the Coast Guard, ferried troops onto Normandy Beach throughout D-Day. As it happens, June 6 is Joe's birthday. I am sure he remembers that day every year.
My friend Tom Clark served in Afghanistan most recently in 2006 and 2007. He returned with stories about the fear many of the soldiers have being in a strange environment and living away from home for the first time. What he talked about is too often forgotten by many of us. Soldiers in most wars are just kids in many respects.
As he mentioned to me many times during our conversations, many of these young soldiers are not much older, maybe by a year or so, than his high school students. They are frightened as anyone with any sense ought to be, but they are also quite brave. Dangers lurk everywhere on the battlefield but those who they have trained with are there to support them.
That is why, I suppose, the brotherhood (and this is a bond that is not gender specific) formed during conflict is indelible. The soldier must depend on comrades and the wisdom of the officers to survive. Responsibility for the lives of the soldiers under your command, as any commander will tell you, is sacred.
On this weekend, as we celebrate another Memorial Day, let us remember soldiers serving overseas and those who have come before them. They continue on, despite their fears, because of the duty that must be fulfilled.
- Bill Vargo is a longtime Highland resident. The opinions expressed are his own. Contact him at billvargo@yahoo.com.
