It’s a real paradox for me: I hate war, but I love and honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy.
Michael Rummel called me from his Southern California home and asked if we could talk. He had met my son at Field of Dreams in Iowa and had read my latest book. Michael was struggling with some unfinished business—
a promise he had made in Vietnam to fellow Marine Ron Denton some 50 years earlier.
While drinking beer in Vietnam, the men had made a pledge: Whoever died first, the other was to visit the deceased’s grave, drink a beer, say a few choice “Marine things,” then crumple the can and spike it into the earth. Silly perhaps, but a promise nonetheless.
Michael didn’t know where Ron was buried, but a search led him to Bowling Green, Kentucky, where Ron had lived the last part of his life.
“Fate is telling me to go to Bowling Green and say my special goodbye to Ron,” Michael said.
But he was still on the fence about going. Hearing how troubled he was, I encouraged him to find Ron’s grave and keep his promise. Because I once lived in Bowling Green while teaching at Western Kentucky University, I told him I would meet him there.
“I have struggled with that decision for seven years now,” Michael confessed. “Your response has tipped the scale in favor of doing it.”
He made the trip and completed his mission, thankful he did.
This brings me to another short but important story.
A young soldier from the small town I was living in had been killed in action. Out of respect, I dressed appropriately and photographed the sensitive outdoor burial service from a distance using a telephoto lens.
Upon seeing me, a decorated military officer assigned to the burial detail left the grave site and approached me as I photographed the interment. He firmly asked me not to photograph.
I respectfully refused his request.
“This young man died for the very freedoms you are asking me to deny,” I told him.
Unsure how to respond, he left me alone.
I meant no disrespect to the officer, the family or the fallen soldier. To the contrary, I was showing them respect for the laws and rights of our nation and honoring the young man’s service.
Reader Challenge
On this Memorial Day, make a photograph that honors the day and those who gave their lives in service. Remember, you are not taking anything but giving and honoring the fallen and their families when you celebrate their sacrifices. Move slowly and with reverence when documenting any service. Not overshooting is important.
Email your best image (just one, please) with caption information, including an explanation of how it affects you, to GPH@pur.coop. We may share submissions on our website and social media channels.