The war that stared with 9/11/01 came to Medford,Oregon today when in the dead of winter, Sgt Matthew J. DeYoung of the United States Marine Corps was put to rest at the Eagle Point National Cemetery outside Medford. As the guns were fired and taps was played you could see the snow in the surrounding hills. In front of me there was a man in a gray civilian suite that matched the gray of his hair. Prior to the ceremony he had stood at parade rest with his hands behind his back. As the casket was taken from the hearse by the Marine Corps Honor Guard he came to formal attention where he stayed till the end of the ceremony. His back was ramrod straight, his hands cupped at his side. Two helicopters flew over in formation with Old Glory hung from one. A bagpiper played "Amazing Grace" and the Marine Corps Hymn.
To most of the people in Medford, in our sheltered part of the world, the War on Terrorism seems so far away. Afghanistan, a front in the war, became a lot closer and more personal today for some of us.
However,as I drove to the cemetery, I passed the Rogue Valley Mall, which was full of cars, I thought of how a small number of volunteers and their families are bearing most of the burden of this war.
We are lucky that there are men and woman who answer the call when danger threatens. I am proud of every one of them.
UPDATE:
Click on the title for a link to the Mail Tribune news story and a picture that will break your heart.
