This piece could be about Memorial Day.

 

It could be about Veterans Day.

 

I’ve made this presentation to recognize both holidays in this past.

 

But as the 4th of July is coming, I’ll recite it again.

 

The Spud Fest parade in Big Lake today should hold additional meaning for all of us - for it will re-acquaint us with Big Lake’s last remaining Gold Star Mother, Stella Huso.

 

Stella, 100 years old, will be serving as the grand marshal of the 47th Spud Fest parade.

 

Stella has her Gold Star Mother  recognition because she lost a son, Wayde in Vietnam in August, 1969. She remains proud of her military roots and her service to country, to include many years in the  American Legion Auxiliary. 

 

Wayde was barely 20 when he died in Vietnam.

 

He lost out on a lot of good things our society affords its young people.

 

I spoke these words to a gathering at Saron Lutheran a few years back on Veterans Day, remembering Wayde and all the things he missed out on - losing his life on a far-away battlefield.

 

He lost the right to “chase girls” and find the love of his life.

 

He lost the right to go on to school and prepare for a job he would love.

 

He lost the right to have children with his spouse and watch them grow up - to their first day of school, their first communion, graduation from school and all the parties and fun that come with maturing in America.

 

He lost the right to help pick the kids up from a skinned knee or a skinned spirit.

 

He lost these rights because he lost his life, fighting for his America in a far-away place.

 

I remember telling about the final moments of that poignant WWII motion picture, Saving Private Ryan,    towards the end of my Saron presentation.

 

There was the ending segment of the movie where the Army veteran, then in his ‘70’s, stood among the tombstones in Arlington National Cemetery, seeking that of his commander, who died saving him in France just after D-Day.

 

He turned to his wife and tearfully asked, “Tell me I have lived a good life?”

 

She didn’t understand him, so he repeated himself.

 

“Tell me I have lived a good life.”

 

He didn’t say “the good life.” 

 

He said “a good life.”

 

His question to his bride was: Had he lived a life of good, in repayment to the Captain who lost his life saving him from a German attack on a bridge in France?

 

Those of us who went - and returned. And the loved ones around us who helped bear the pain of absence and suspense and fear - and sheer terror - for such possible losses.

 

We think of Stella - and her son, Wayde, who have paid the terrible price of serving America at war.

 

Bless her and his memory on this Day of Freedom, the 4th of July.