A day for thanks and remembrance

Memorial Day is about remembering those who were serving their country but never made it home to their loved ones. Last weekend I remembered Major Paul R. Syverson III, who was killed June 16, 2004, in Balad, Iraq, when a mortar attack hit his camp.

Paul S. was one of my son's best friends. When my son (also named Paul) was married in Walt Disney World, Florida, December 2001, Paul S. was to be in the wedding party. Unfortunately, one month before the ceremony, Paul S. was in a hospital (in Germany, I believe) recovering from serious wounds suffered from helping put down a prison revolt in Afghanistan in November of 2001. It was there in the hospital where he received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Major Paul was just two weeks shy of coming home. He left behind his parents, his wonderful wife and his two beautiful children.

I went to his burial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. I have never been to a more solemn graveside ceremony than this one. The funeral procession through the cemetery (in step to the beat of the military drummers), the riderless horse (with empty boots positioned backward in the stirrups), and his flag-draped casket on the caisson were overwhelming. The 21-gun salute was heart-wrenching.

This Memorial Day, I hope you remembered those who served and never came home. Be thankful that we are free to live because others have died.

Thank you, Major Paul, for your ultimate sacrifice.

Mary Kay Arndt

Arlington Heights