Guest Editorial: Memorial Day Freedoms

Coming from a family which has been involved in every war from World War 1 to Vietnam, holidays honoring our military and civilian personnel during wartime past and present have always had a special place in my mind and heart. But none more than Memorial Day.

It has been my honor for the past few years to stand with my fellow Whitehall area Veterans within the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Honor Guard, at funerals and functions.

This year as we stood on a windy, rainy, cold Monday, in line behind the graves of the fallen, my rifle at parade rest, I looked at all the United States flags marking those men and women who had fallen in battle. I realized just how fortunate my immediate family has been. My grandfather, Percy Buterbaugh, fought in WWI and survived. He came home partially deaf from mustard gas, but alive.

My father, Donald Buterbaugh, was involved in WWII and the Korean Conflict as an Aircraft Mechanic. Out of harm’s way but performing an important service.

My brother, Gary Buterbaugh, joined the Army and was fortunate enough to serve between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam and never had to be in harm’s way.

My brother, Roger Buterbaugh, served in Vietnam and came home wounded during the Tet Offensive. Wounded but alive.

My brother, Robert Buterbaugh, never served due to failing eyesight.

By the time I was old enough to join, Vietnam was winding down. I joined the Coast Guard and worked in Search and Rescue as a Machinist Technician, a fancy way of saying a boat mechanic. Thanks to all those brave men, women, and children who fought before me, I had it easy.

As I stood side by side with my fellow Veterans, looking across the graves of the fallen, listening to the speeches, and marveling at the hearty souls who came to honor the fallen on this cold, rainy, windy Monday morning, my heart swelled and as Taps started to play, a tear entered my eyes.

No matter if it’s a funeral or holiday or just hearing it in the air, Taps has always weighed on my heart; it has always made me stop with prayer, and always made me tear up a bit. I pray to God people will teach their children what Memorial Day really stands for and instill a presence of honor for those who fought for our freedoms. Alive or dead. I pray to God that someday all this insanity of war will forever end. But until then, I pray to God to make me strong if I ever have to face those who wish to destroy freedom.