Memorial Day

It is Memorial Day. Team Centaur extends its deep sense of appreciation to the families and loved ones of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country, and in the cause of freedom.

I can't speak for how the day is being commemorated in other parts of Iraq, but in our little corner it is just like any other Monday, or Wednesday... or any other day. I had heard that there was some sort of ceremony this morning, but we were occupied with pre-mission preparations so were unable to attend. It isn't as if we really need to attend another ceremony. This battalion has lost so many soldiers in recent weeks that a holiday dedicated to their memory seems ridiculously superfluous. Portraits of the recent fallen adorn the plywood walls of the operation center. KBR, the primary service contractor to the military, has constructed a clever frame for all the photos with a nifty hidden feature: The frame can easily be expanded and enlarged to accommodate future portraits. Here every day is Memorial Day. The price of freedom is never taken for granted.

Honor the fallen; those who will never reap the rewards of for which they fought. Cherish the freedoms and ideals for which they and their forefathers sacrificed so much.