Every month something really special happens on the downtown plaza in rural Mount Vernon, Texas, the place Warrior Spirit Project calls home. Families, individuals, and members of local organizations gradually arrive in anticipation of what they will see, hear, remember, and learn for the first time. And at the end of each event, someone will say something like, "I didn't know that about my old friend.", or, "My neighbor did that?", or simply, "Wow". And this something special doesn't cost a thing to those present, other than a few moments of time and a willingness to pay attention. But it is always worth it, in so many ways. So what is it and why does it happen here?
Like other rural areas of our nation, East Texas has been home to many patriots over the years. Some served in combat overseas throughout generations of wars, some served stateside and accomplished remarkable things, and some gave the ultimate sacrifice - their lives - on behalf of those fighting beside them and for the rest of us waiting at home. But when they are gone from this world, what part of their stories remain with the legacies they leave behind? Do we even know their stories, the ones that defined who they became? It is likely that we do not, simply because veterans are often humble and quiet about their service in our civilian presence. Even family members can be completely unaware of the full story or of the impact of their loved ones' service. After all, how could any of us possibly understand unless we have been in their boots, wherever those boots were worn? Yet, we are the ones who try to make them heroes when they return, often without realizing the depth of what they have experienced and what they still carry inside. They rarely consider themselves heroes, though. Often, they tuck it all away privately while family, friends and community… the rest of us… go on with life as usual. "Thank you for your service," we say, and that seems like enough.
But sometimes, "something special" happens that allows for a much deeper understanding and connection. The story finally gets told for all to hear, and those who hear it are astounded. And that's what happens the first Saturday of the month in Mount Vernon. We gather at the plaza as a community to pay tribute to one of these veterans, and a powerful story is told about the life of someone that many in the crowd thought they already knew. But then they realize there was so much more there. When able, a family member is the one to share the story, and something new is often discovered while doing the research and preparing for what to say. It can be an emotional moment for the storyteller who reads what might have been discovered for the very first time. The crowd hears and learns about the special life of this warrior, a warrior that may have lived right next door or run the local grocery store, but this part of the story is new. A flag dedicated specifically to that veteran is then raised in tribute, in a traditional ceremony of quiet honor and respect. The National Anthem is sung by a beautiful local voice - another neighbor - and then everyone cites the Pledge of Allegiance together. We bow our heads and close in prayer, offering a different kind of gratitude over and above "Thank you for your service."
This is how we recognize heroism on a deeper level, recognize impact, pay tribute, and keep memories alive with new perspectives for each of us individually, but also as a community. There is a surprise in every person's story, especially when they are warriors. It's great to remember and pay tribute in these moments, but wouldn't it be even better if we didn't wait until they're gone?
