I first posted the information on Barry Lynn Brown and James Clifford McKittrick in 2009 (link below). This is a later Memorial Day post from 2011. It hurts to know now that we use the number of Vietnam deaths (58,220+) as a reference to the increasing number of Americans (97,196+) who have died from Covid-19.
Arlington National Cemetery
Heart weeps.
Head tries to help heart.
Head tells heart how it is, again:
You will lose the ones you love.
They will all go.
But even the earth will go, someday.
Heart feels better, then.
But the words of head do not remain long in the ears of heart.
Heart is so new to this.
I want them back, says heart.
Head is all heart has.
Help, head. Help heart.
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Head, Heart, by Lydia Davis
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Memorial Day is a Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to honor U.S. soldiers who died while in military service. On this long Memorial Day weekend enjoy your picnic, your barbecue, your family gathering and maybe a long break from work.
But before you do, please go back here to see why it is so important for me that you take a few moments to remember two men who gave their lives defending our country and the freedoms we have.
Captain Barry Lynn Brown, Killed In Action, Vietnam, 1968
Major James Clifford McKittrick, Missing In Action, Vietnam, 1967