Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Dan Benedict “They gave all their tomorrows” - Lincoln American Legion Memorial Day observance

[May 31, 2017]  LINCOLN - On Monday morning one of the largest crowds in recent history attended the annual American Legion Post 263 Memorial Day Services in Lincoln.

With cool temperatures and bright sunshine, the event was held outside this year in front of the Legion Hall. Seating was supplied for local veterans and family members, while the rest of the crowd found a favorite spot to stand and watch the service and hear from guest speaker retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Dan Benedict.

Veteran and Legion member C. Wayne Schrader served as the emcee for the day welcoming everyone. Pastor Ron Otto of the Lincoln Christian Church led with a word of prayer.

Before going to prayer Otto commented that while he personally was not a veteran, his son was. He said that he was blessed because his son served in the Army in Afghanistan. He commented “We’re one of those families who got our son back.” He went on to say that not all were so fortunate, and he knew there were many there today who understood that was the reason for this special observance.

His prayer including remembering those who sacrificed their lives, and the families who sacrificed their children, just as God sacrificed his only son.

Schrader then introduced Benedict. Not only has Benedict served in the Navy, he is now continuing his service to local veterans as the director of the Logan County Veterans Assistance Commission.

Benedict began by giving a brief history of Memorial Day. In 1868, after the Civil War, John Logan proposed “Decoration Day” a day of remembrance and to place flowers at the graves of soldiers. It evolved to holiday status “Memorial Day” in 1968 with the passing of the Uniform Military Act. The official Memorial Day was first observed in 1971.

Benedict went on to say that though the day was designated for remembrance, for too many it has become a day for fun and time off work. He said there was nothing wrong with family barbecues and time spent relaxing, but that every American should remember that time given to them today is because of the sacrifice of American soldiers who have defended out right to live freely throughout our national history.

Benedict said that for some Americans this day brings about a feeling of reverence or gratitude that their words cannot fully express. He said this day brings to mind those who have given their lives, as well as those who are currently serving. He noted that deployment is an emotional thing for families and soldiers. There is always that chance that a young soldier will not return home, and a family will be left to mourn. He said that even he came to understand his mortality, and when he learned of his last deployment, he went right away and purchased life insurance, wanting to leave his family with the assurance that if he did not return, they would be provided for in the future.

Benedict said he wanted to acknowledge those in the audience who had suffered the loss of a loved one in the military. He asked all those who had lost a loved one to please stand. Many did. Benedict thanked all those who stood and said “Our nation has the highest, and greatest respect and appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices your loved ones have made, and we are proud to honor them today.”

In 1919 poet John Maxwell Edmunds penned a series of epitaphs suitable for the graves of soldiers. Among those were the words “When you go home, tell them of us and say, for your tomorrows these gave their today.”
 

Benedict said the words had been paraphrased to say, “They gave all their tomorrows so that we could have our today.” Benedict said it was a profound statement. Those soldiers gave their tomorrows for our today. Our today means we can worship as we wish, we can choose our country’s leaders, and we can speak our minds without fear of censure. Benedict said while many Americans take these rights and freedoms for granted, there are many places throughout the world where such rights are not given.

He spoke about the cruelty and deprivation of women, the persecution for religious beliefs, the starvation of children who are abandoned and neglected and seeing the European concentration camps. He said the cruelty to humanity in other countries is shocking. He then added, “We are not perfect, but we still have more freedom in the United States of America than anywhere else, all thanks to those who gave all their tomorrows so we could have today.”

He moved on to recount the lives lost in various wars and conflicts throughout our nation’s history. All totaled, the number came to more than one billion souls lost. Benedict commented, “Everyday people, living everyday lives, until they were put into extraordinary situations. When they died, they left holes in their community, they left holes in their family, holes that can never be filled.”

He added that there are living casualties as well. Those who suffer the effects of Agent Orange, those who were physically wounded, and those who were emotionally wounded. He said many soldiers who have seen battle suffer from “survivor’s guilt” wondering why they are alive when a soldier who served next to them perished. He said those who came home, feel an obligation to honor those who fell and they do so through the numerous veteran’s organizations such as American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Marine Corp League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Patriot Guard and other motorcycle groups, and many more.

Benedict closed by saying, “It is through days like today, Memorial Day, that our nation unites, comes together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, so that we can have our ‘today’ every day.”

The Memorial Day services in Lincoln came to a close with Taps trumpeted by Randy Schrader while the American Legion Color Guard presented the flags and a Three Volley Rifle Salute for those who are fallen. Wayne Schrader also introduced the multiple members of military organizations in attendance.

Pastor Otto offered up a closing prayer, then Schrader led the audience in the singing of God Bless America, and everyone was invited to attend the ham and bean lunch that was being served inside the Legion Hall.

[Nila Smith]