A visit to the WALL

I walk along the path and see the bronze statute for Three Servicemen
with the American flag that flies 24 hours a day. I am struck by the
sadness of this place. The day is sunny but the air is so still,
like the world is holding its' breath. They are the guardians -
watching over their brethern in death, as in life. A salute to these
brave souls.

I start the walk down into a somber place, black granite panels lists
the names of the soldiers, sailors, marines who gave their lives.
Down I slowly walk, the impact of all these lives washing over me. I
start to cry. I cry for myself, I cry for mothers and fathers,
sisters and brothers, lovers and friends. Such a tremendous loss to
them and to the world. Who knows what difference their lives could
have made?

I look for names of those I knew.

John Robert Bragg
Michael William Downing
John Lee Croy
Gregory Scott Fennimore

I remember Michael, John and Gregory only as passing memories but I
grew up with Johnny Bob - a gentle, kind soul in a mohawk. Here's a
flower, Johnny Bob, brought just for you.

More memories take me back to the Pensacola Naval Air Station where I
worked in Personnel in 1967. Name after name coming across the desk
with assignments, Vietnam, Vietnam, Vietnam. Then a lucky one,
Cuba.

At the center of the memorial surrounded by all these names and walls
the color of death - I wonder if the world will ever know peace.

Rest in peace, brave soldier. You have not been forgotten.

Red

I recently took one of those surveys that friends send around - the getting to know you kind. The survey asks innocous questions like what kind of cereal do you like, scary movies vs happy endings, etc. The most interesting question was: "If you were a crayon, what color would you be?" The majority of the people that responded said they would be red. That's it, red.

I thought it interesting that the word "red" was used. Now the word "red" is supposed to conjure up a range of seemingly conflicting emotions from passionate love to violence and warfare. It is supposed to draw attention to an item, hence the "red" carpet at movie premieres, or even the lowly stop sign. Studies show that red can have a physical effect, increasing the rate of respiration and raising blood pressure.

But just using the word "red" does not conjure up anything for me except boredom, blandness and a great big sigh. Why not use a color that is attention-grabbing, mysterious, friendly, sophisticated, or mentally stimulating. Such as: Wild watermelon, scarlet, radical red, or razzmatazz. Some color name that brings to mind an image of what you are trying to portray.

Razzmatazz - a go getter

Watermelon - light-hearted doer

Scarlet - loose woman

Radical Red - champion of causes

Think about it, if you were a crayon, what color would you be?

FYI - I am Purple Pizzazz - a deep thinking, feeling doer.