MEMORIAL DAY...we do not forget those who gave all

RED poppies for remembrance

White iris for hope
Blue columbine for faith
On this Memorial Day we remember those who gave their all to keep us free. We remember those who serve now so far from home...

Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Mastriano stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, writes, "As you can imagine - things are busy here - as it is a combat zone. Our mission, is led by NATO under ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) - and is comprised of 38 nations.Under my command, are soldiers from 18 nations - we work in an international environment. These multi-national soldiers are heroes, and they also play a key role here in supporting a local orphanage that houses 140 orphaned children.
At our NATO headquarters, we have a stray furry-orphan, Diesel (or Commander ISAF) a "stray" Afghan cat.Diesel's primary mission is keeping the rodent population low. As such, the staff is directed not to feed him. However - he has many partisans among the soldiers, and as you can see - he has not missed many, if any meals. Diesel goes everywhere on camp. Here in Kabul on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2007, the international staff of the ISAF mission conducted a ceremony. Several of our NATO Allies honour the day in a solemn and respectful manner - especially the British and Canadians - to remember those who have fallen, from 1918... to today. In honor of the Armistice of World War One, we conducted the ceremony on the 11th day, of the 11th Month, at the 11th hour (the instance where the cease-fire ended World War I in 1918.) The event is always somber and serious. Hundreds of soldiers from 30 diverse nations throughout NATO stood in formation at our headquarters in KABUL; lining the street in a mixture of various desert colored uniforms. Taps was played, and we rendered a salute. The trumpet fell quiet, we lowered our salute and began two minutes of silence to remember those who fell. As if on cue, Diesel came out howling and meowing - loudly - walking up and down the line. He continued howling - trying to get any one's attention, to pet him. After the two minutes ended - with great purpose, he marched towards the middle area where the commander and the staff were. As the commander began his remarks - Diesel walked up to him and began howling, and then wandered off, offering a light moment for the serious ceremony.
And, as I write this, Diesel made his rounds through camp and our office again - while my staff are busy helping the Afghan people.
Diesel owns this place, he strolled right in the door - loudly meowing - a funny, albeit welcome, interruption to our day. Please continue to pray for us in Afghanistan."
~~~thank you Tina for this wonderful story!~~~