REMEMBERING Reader recalls Memorial Day

Standing between the silent ranks, the future generation stood in remembrance. The whispering sound of marching, flags in the light breeze, and silent prayer the only intrusion. On Memorial Day, cadets of the Columbia Basin squadron of the Civil Air Patrol stood among veterans of our country to pay homage to those in the ranks who have fallen before. Some of the silent ranks had fallen in battle, some long after their time of service. By column and element, their memorials stood proudly to proclaim the freedom they had given so much for. Today is the day they had been promised, a day to remember them by.

Our cadets stood proudly as well, bowing their heads and holding firm the staff supporting the flag as needed. After the final volley had been fired, the last tale told, the last prayer said, our cadets walked among the ranks a final time and listened to the tales told by the widows and kin. When we left, our cadets shared with us their own family tales. Today was a good day, a warm and sunny day. It was also a day our cadets showed themselves to be professionals and were recognized as such by their peers. A day they could look back on the protectors of our country and for a moment stand among their ranks. It was a very good day.

Second Lt. Mark Beyer

Columbia Basin Squadron CAP PAO