So this has been on my mind a lot lately, so I apologize if I gush a bit emotively here...

This scene depicts what probably is one of, if not is *THE* worst day in the thirty years of my life... When I had to go to the home of a family here in the U.S. and look the parents in the eye and inform them that one of their sons had given their lives in service to country...

I've dealt with death before. I have lost friends in the wars, and I live with deep regrets of those I've known who have taken their own lives because their inner demons overwhelmed them, and I was not there to see them through the pain...

This day, however, hit especially hard, as it gave me a first hand look at the true cost of their sacrifice, and just how deeply it effects the families and friends of the one who died. And this in spite not even knowing the Soldier personally.

It was also difficult because I was required to keep my professional composure during the notification and process to the military honors and funeral as well as the months following when I assisted them in finalizing his affairs and collecting his effects. I desperately wanted to allow the compassionate side of me out to let them know just how deeply I empathized with their loss, but I also knew that I was expected to be diligent and professional in this process and to walk them through some the more difficult processes and decisions...

I also realized that if I ever meet the family again, my face will forever be associated with the death of their son, which is a terrible thing to consider and know, but a reality I must live with. The reality hit especially hard on my 8 hour drive back to base.

Though it is something I never wish to experience again, and I pray I do not have to endure when I am a Company Commander here soon (for to me, I would take it as my failure to bring their son or daughter home alive), I also deeply believe that it must be done by those of us in this profession. No other way is adequate or sufficient in helping a family through the bereavement process than for a Soldier to walk the family through it. The sons and daughters of the people of the United States are our responsibility to the very end, and it is not a duty that we should ever place upon the shoulders of another outside the organization. As one character said it very memorably, "I'm with you, till the end of the line."

To those who've served;
We will remember.

The scene which captures the emotion of the day so magnificently was created by  AlsaresNoLynx whom you should definitely check out if you haven't...

V/R,
Mag.