Columbus Dispatch: A Solemn Ritual

As we observe Memorial Day today, a somber and poignant article that reminds us of the terrible cost of war that continues to this day.

military-mortuary-nyt-art-gc4n3hnh-1del-military-mortuary-5-jpgThe soldier bent to his work, careful as a diamond cutter. He carried no weapon or rucksack, just a small plastic ruler, which he used to align a name plate, just so, atop the breast pocket of an Army dress blue jacket, size 39R. “Blanchard,” the plate read.

Capt. Aaron R. Blanchard, a 32-year-old Army pilot, had been in Afghanistan for only a few days when an enemy rocket killed him and another soldier last month as they dashed toward their helicopter. Now, he was heading home.

Before he left the mortuary here, however, he would need to be properly dressed. And so Staff Sgt. Miguel Deynes labored meticulously, almost lovingly, over every crease and fold, every ribbon and badge, of the dress uniform that would clothe Blanchard in his final resting place.

Read it all and give thanks for those brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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  1. Pingback: Columbus Dispatch: A Solemn Ritual | The Anglican Priest - Christian IBD

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