My Shoes....I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them. I get funny looks wearing these shoes. They are looks of sympathy. I can tell in other's eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs. They never talk about my shoes. To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off. I now realize I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in this world. Some people are like me and ache daily as they walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that day's will go by before they think about how much they hurt. No parent deserves to walk in these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger person. these shoes have given me the strength to face anything. They have made me who I am. I will forever walk in the shoes of a parent who has lost their beloved child.~~Raven Meyer-Coan, Louisville, Ky.~~The love and memories will last forever.~~I am so sorry that you lost your cherished and much loved David.~~
Tattered around the edges, and faded now with time; memories that linger still, are what they left behind. Like a precious package, kept in a secret room; each moment a treasure, a heirloom.~~On rare and quiet occasions, the package opens wide, revealing then the memories that nestle inside, faces etched in memories like a photo from the past; each snapshot printed in the heart, and memories that last.~~Worn and ragged photographs, so faded now with time; yet the lasting love deep in your heart is what they left behind.~~Ken Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
Don't think of David as gone away, his journey has just begun. Life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.~~Just think of him as resting from sorrow and tears, in a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days or years.~~Think of how he must be wishing that you could know today, how nothing but sadness can really pass away.~~And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched and he is loved so much.~~Martin Bryant, Louisville, Ky.
We love you and think of you often. I ofcourse did not know you, but have learned much from what happend to you. Your memory is strong and we love you all. Take care man, I hope to meet you one day.
Dear Sgt. 1st Class McDowell..... I am grateful you chose to go when others said the cause was wrong.You did not turn your back in order to help in some way bring about peace. I am grateful to you because tonight I can sit down and eat a warm meal. I am grateful to you because I can say I do not like war. This is without worrying that my door will be kicked in and I will be dragged away.---Mostly I am grateful to you because of your sacrifices, I am reminded once again of what I have. For this I am grateful to you, because I can go out and say absolutely the dumbest things, and do so because being dumb is not a crime.---I am grateful to you because I get to sit down to my warm meal with family and friends in peace. I am also grateful to you because if I think a certain politician is a fool...I can think it without being lined up against a brick wall and shot.---There are many things Dear Mr. McDowell that I am grateful to you, because of the fact you did not say no.---Peace to you and yours and most of all I salute you, because well I am grateful to you Mr. McDowell.---Michelle Elder, Louisville, Ky.
Eagles.... To bring down evil, some must fall. To fight for right, some answer the call.---To help the oppressed, some give up their time, their homes, their loves, they're eagles not doves.---To keep peace for those in need, some go to wars of just we read---To keep us safe, it Soldiers we call. They will all give some and some will give all.----Thank You Sgt. 1st Class McDowell for keeping America safe.----Cordie Griffin, Louisville, Ky.
Give All That I Am.....David L. McDowell, a nation salutes you for living your words, " Give all that I am", and dying to keep them for the sake of your fellow troops and the love of the U.S.A.---And oh..How your words ring so true for all that share the Medal of Honor with you. All going above and beyond the duty with exceptional valor, doing what must be done under the most difficult Battle conditions to complete the mission, put self last....and all others first.---David L. McDowell, your fellow citizens proudly welcome you to the Wall of America's Greatest Heroes.
Hello Mr. McDowell. We are well. We hear you made it to Heaven from the Gates of Hell.---We don't have the words to thank you for the high price you paid. Sadly the road before you was already paved.---Thank you so much. You gave it your all. You made us so proud when you answered the call.---Just like your comrades & friends did too, you all died Defending the RED, WHITE, And BLUE. We owe them a lot and now we owe you too.---We are so sorry that you will never again see the land you helped keep Free, But since you were so Brave and Bold,You will walk The Streets of Gold.---5th Graders from Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School---Louisville, Ky.---Yes, we the citizens of The Derby City (Ky. Derby) are trying to write and thank you and as many of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our Freedom.
Thank you...I can't shake every hand. I can't put flowers on every grave. I can't console evry family member. But I can say Thank You.---You have given me the Freedom I enjoy today. Your blood was shed in place of mine. Your family grieved so mine could rejoice. All I can say is Thank You.---There are no words big enough. There is not a smile wide enough. All I can offer is Thank You.---You are my hero. You are in my thoughts. You are in my prayers. For all you've done Thank you.---Mark Regenauer, Age 13, Shelbyville, Ky.
Heaven's Heroes....Don't cry for me as I lay in repose, dying for Freedom is what I chose.---There isn't any pain or suffering anymore, because I've just walked through Heaven's Door.---Here everything is brand new, I'm with my Brothers, who were proud to die for Freedom too.---As you stand before me don't weep, it is just my body that is asleep.---My spirit soars high above, where I'm surrounded by Angels and GOD'S love.---Thank you for the respects you pay, I just want you to know, I've gone home today.---My job here on Earth is done and my life in Heaven has just begun----I will always love- you---David.
I understand why you joined the Army. You said you wanted to make a difference.---I understand why you went to boot camp. You said it would make you stronger.---I uderstand why you answered the call, you said because it was your job.---I understand why you went to foreign soil, you said it was to fight for your Country.---But what I don't understand is why you had to die ? You came to me one night in my dreams and said " Because I died for your Freedom."---Thank you Mr. McDowell for protecting me.---Chloe Clay, Age 10, Louisville, Ky.
TAPS ......TAPS the most beautiful bugle call, known as the most eloquent of all.---Not only to signal the day is done, but to say goodbye, to a comrade, brother, or son.---A melody so hauntingly profound, a piercing yet peaceful sound.---Sounded over every Soldiers grave, to honor those who were so brave.---Soldiers raise their hands to their caps, Saluting the Fallen as the Bugler plays TAPS.---Rifles are fired in the sky, to say Farewell to another American G. I.---Listening to the bugle play, reminds us of the price they had to pay.---The sound is bittersweet, letting go of a hero, to someday meet again.---Nothing is so touching perhaps, or can render emotion like the call of TAPS.---You can hear the bugle weep, where men of valor sleep.---Tears from a bugle fall, as TAPS is played, for the heroes who gave their all.---Bill Meyer U.S. Army Sgt. Retired, Louisville, Ky.
I saw her from a distance as she walked up to the wall, in her hands she held some flowers as her tears began to fall, and she took out pen and paper as to trace her memories and she looked up to heaven and the words she said were these....She said, " LORD my boy was special, and he meant so much to me and Oh, I'd love to see him just one more time to see. All I have is memories and the moments to recall.----So, LORD could you tell him, He's more than a name on a wall.....She said, " He really missed family and friends and being home on special days and he died for GOD and Country in a place so far away.---I remember just a little boy playing war since he was three. But LORD this time I know, he's not coming home to me.---And she said, " LORD my boy was special, and he meant so much to me, and Oh, I'd love to see him but I know it just can't be. So, I thank you for the memories and the moments to recall.--But, LORD could you tell him, he's more than a name on a wall.
Freedom isn't Free---I watched the flag pass by one day it fluttered in the breeze. A young Soldier saluted it, and then he stood at ease.---I looked at him in uniform so young, so tall, so proud with hair cut square and eyes alert he'd stand out in a crowd.---I thought how many men like him had fallen through the years. How many died on foreign soil ?How many Mother's tears ?---How many Pilot's planes shot down ? How many Foxholes were Soldier's graves ?---No-Freedom isn't Free.---I heard the sound of TAPS one night, when everything was still. I listened to the Bugler play and felt a sudden chill.---I wondered how many times that TAPS meant "Amen." When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or friend.---I thought of all the children, of the mothers and wives, of fathers, sisters, and brothers with interrupted lives.---I thought about a graveyard at the edge of town, David that you wouldn't see. Of all the graves of Fallen Soldiers.---No-- Freedom isn't Free-- Bob Bowling U.S. Army Sgt.( WWII and Korean War Veteran)
Final Inspection--- The Soldier stood and faced GOD which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining just as bright as his brass.--Step forward you Soldier, how shall I deal with you ? Have you always turned the other cheek ?To my church have you been true ?--The Soldier squared his shoulders and said "No, Lord I guess I ain't because those of us that carry guns can't always be saints.--I've had to work on Sundays and at times my talk was tough, and sometimes I've been violent because the world is awfully rough.--But, I never took a penny that wasn't mine to keep. Though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got just to steep.--And I never passed a cry for help though at times I shook with fear, and sometimes GOD forgive me, I've weeped unmanly tears.--I know I do not deserve a place among the people here. They never wanted me around except to calm their fears.--If you've a place for me here, LORD it needn't be grand, I never expected or had too much, but if you don't, " I'll understand."--There was silence all around the throne where Saints had often trod as the Soldier waited quietly for The Judgement of GOD.--" Step forward, you Soldier, you've borne your burden well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets, you've done your time in Hell."
Although I did not know Dave well, I did learn many things about life from him. He had the most wonderful motto for life. Dave's motto for life was as follows.---Life is too short.---Grudges are a waste of perfect happiness---Laugh when you can---Apologize when you should and let go of what you can't change---Love deeply and forgive quickly---Take changes---Give everything and have no regrets---Life is too short to be unhappy--you have to take the good with the bad---Smile when you're sad---Love what you've got and always remember waht you had---Always forgive---Learn from your mistakes but never regret---People change and things go wrong---but always remember my love for you goes on and on !! ~~Deepest and most heart-felt sympathy~~
The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand, the sun goes down but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land. the music stops & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains....for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.--Ed Meyer,U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer,WWII Vet., Louisville, Ky.
Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be, a resting place along the road to sweet eternity.---We all have different journey's, different paths along the way, we were all meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay.....Our destination is a place, far greater than we know. For some the journey's quicker, for some the journey's slow. And when the journey finally ends, we'll claim a great reward, and find an everlasting peace, together with the LORD.---Martin Bryant, U.S. Army Sgt. WWII Vet., Louisville, Ky.
To some I may be nothing but a distant memory. My life on earth is over now, but do you remember me ? I know I left without warning, but GOD'S work for me was through. Please do not try to stop the thoughts of me, because I never will of you. Some may hear or speak my name and vanish the thought of me. No one stops to see, I am closer to you now than I ever was before, I love you all the same and will for ever more. So please don't let my memories slowly fade away.... For I'm still inside your heart, where I will always stay.-- Don't think of me as gone forever because someday we'll meet again. Keep me close inside your heart until GOD tells you when.--You may be there for many years, no one ever knows, so let my memory stay alive as the love inside you grows.
I have not turned my back on you, so there's no need to cry, I am watching you from Heaven, just beyond the evening sky; I have seen you fall apart, when you could barely stand, I asked the LORD to comfort you, and I watched Him take your hand. He told me you were in more pain, than I could ever be, He wiped His eyes and swallowed hard, then gave your hand to me; although you may not feel my touch; or see me by your side, I've whispered that I Love You, while I wiped away each tear you cried.
No person is ever truly alone. Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts. And what they did and who they were becomes a part of all that we are forever.
In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear may love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious moments be your comfort.--------Sydney Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
Remember me in your hearts, in your thoughts, and the memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, and the times we laughed, for if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
There was no love more genuine than mine; in giving and receiving it was pure. Grieve not, for my legacy is love, pure and true, each memory a gift that will endure, returning you to moments fair and fine.
A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.~~Dave you were a friend to many~~You will be missed tremendously.
We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So rest in peace dear David, until we meet again. We pray that GOD has given you the crown that you have truly won.
Love and Gratitude....The agony is so great and yet you stand it. Had you not loved so very much, you would not hurt so much. But goodness knows you would not want to diminish that precious love by one fraction of an ounce. You will hurt, and you will be grateful to take the hurt, for it bears witness to the depth of your meanings, and for that you will be eternally grateful.....Cora Meyer, Louisville., Ky.
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep. I have no cares, no troubled thoughts, for now I am asleep.---The living breathing me that was, is now forever still, and time goes on without me as time forever will.---Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all, and those of you that loved me, I thank you most of all.---It matters not if time began or if time will ever cease. I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.
Hero makes ultimate sacrifice. This young man made a sacrifice not for himself but for his country and people who love freedom all over the world. America will truly miss this fine young man. Godspeed to his family and thank you Mr. McDowell for making America safe.---Nikki Coan,Louisville, Ky.
The Soldier Poem---I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctatntly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness....should I fail.I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the taste of a moments love. I have cried, pained, and hoped....but most of all, I have lived times others would say was best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was....A Soldier.
There beside a grave she stands, a folded flag clutched in her hands. A silent teardrop on her face, her brave young child has entered grace. She does not hear the sermon said, just memories run through her head. The child she held so long ago, the child with faith she let go. The child who heard the nation's call, and in the end gave it all, without fear or thoughts of self, thoughts of freedom and little else. The bugle sounds TAPS in the wind, a mournful song it does send. A reminder to us all, that for freedom, this price was paid, and her sweet young to rest was laid.--Thank You Mr. McDowell for Defending America and Freedom all over the world.--Your courageous sacrifice will never be forgotten.--Norma Meyer-Coan, Louisville,Ky.
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep. I have no cares, no troubled thoughts, for now I am asleep.--The living breathing me that was, is now forever still, and time goes on without me as time forever will.--Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all, and those of you that loved me, I thank most of all.--It matters not if time began or if it will ever cease. I was here, I used it all and now I am at peace.
You gave yourself so that we may be free. I honor you for your courage & I thank you for your sacrifice. I will miss you more than you could ever know. I am blessed to have known someone as wonderful as you.A million words wont bring you back, I know because I've tried. Neither would a million tears, I know because I've cried.
I met the Wilks family at a hard time in my life. Kyle always had a way of making you smile when you were about to cry. He always had the warmest hug that just poured love straight into your heart from his. He will be truly missed and to Kathy and Randy and Makay...you were so blessed with a wonderful son and brother and he was equally blessed with such an awesome family who always supported and love him fully! God bless!
Mis condolencia a la Familia en especial a Sarita y a Ulises Jr que no ha nacido. Ulises; Siempre seras mi hermanito. My friend my brother you will always be in my heard. God will take care of you and your family will be taken care by us.
Hasta que algun dia nos volvamos a ver tu amigo del alma y hermanos en batallaDomingo Cartagena
Akihiko,you were an hero!I just hope those terrorist burn in Hell,forever!well,I know nothing about you,unfortunately,but i greatly admire you and respect you for your courage.Courage is not the absence of fear.Courage is doing what`s right,in the presence of fear.You were a TRUE man.You faced the danger,you overcame fear...and trying to do the right thing,you lost your precious life.God should not allow such things to happen to people like you!Rest in peace,and watch over us!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
My deepest thoughts are with your parents and brother!Shosei,you are my hero.You`ll never be forgotten.Those who bad-mouth you are stupid,and they forget they were not born perfect.Only God can judge ,they are nothing to judge whoever the person is.They should have gone thru what you`ve gone.I am sure they would keep their mouths shut,like cowards they are.I can never understand...Why is it easier to see the mistakes in others rather then in ourselves?Your trip to Iraq WAS NOT A MISTAKE.You had your own reasons to go,and as a human being you are ,you should be respected.But...society sucks,isn`t it,hun?Why are people so stupid and ignorant?!I mean,an human life was lost,and they are just worried in blaming and insulting you???What the hell are they?!Animals???it`s just unbelievable.so,well...i just made an online memorial website to honour you.Anyone is free to go there,and light a candle or leave a tribute.As i said,you will never be forgotten.REST IN PEACE,AND WATCH OVER ALL OF US!xxxxxxxxxPS.(For the people who might be interested in visiting this memorial website to Shosei,the link is:www.shosei-koda.goneto osoon.co.ukWith many thanks,and God bless you all!)
I love you my son and you will always be in my heart and in me. I miss you so much and love you so much. There is not a second of a day I don't think of you. I am and always have been blessed to have you for the short 25 years. I am so proud of you and see you every night. I will see you someday, I know this, I love you , mom xoxoxo
For the loss you had words do not heal. May the memories deep within your heart help soothe your spirit. With each memory, let your hearts be reminded that nothing can ever take away the beauty you have known.~~Cora Meyer, Louisville,Ky.
The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand, the sun goes down but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.....for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.~~Sydney Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
A life well-lived does not end any more than the music ends, it echoes through time with whispers of beauty and grace. If we listen, we can hear the encore with our hearts, for the song plays on, just as love lives on. Just remember that grief cannot take away the happiness you shared, that sorrow will fade in time, but love remains forever.--Clara Langley, Louisville, Ky.
Remember me in your hearts, your thoughts, and the memories of the times we loved, the times we cried, and the times we laughed, for if you always think of me, I will never be gone.
Love and Gratitude....The agony is so great and yet you stand it. Had you not loved so very much, you would not hurt so much. But goodness knows you would not want to diminish that precious love by one fraction of an ounce. You will hurt, and you will be grateful to take the hurt, for it bears witness to the depth of your meanings, and for that you will be eternally grateful.--Irene Richmond, Louisville, Ky.
Submitted with Bryan's Family in mind---We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So rest in peace dear loved one and thank you for all that you have done. We pray that GOD has given you the crown that you have truly won.
There was no love more genuine than mine; in giving and receiving it was pure. Grieve not, for my legacy is love, pure and true, each memory a gift that will endure, returning you to moments fair and fine.
Nothing can ever take away the love a heart holds dear, fond memories linger everyday, and remembrance keeps Bryan near.--Dorothy Bowling,Louisville, Ky.
In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bear may love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious memories be your comfort.~~Stevie Coan, Louisville, Ky.
Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep. I have no cares, no troubled thoughts, for now I am asleep.--The living breathing me that was, is now forever still, and time goes on without me as time forever will.--Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all, and those of you that loved me, I thank you most of all.--It matters not if time began or if time will ever cease. I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.
The Soldier Poem--I was that which others did not want to be. I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness.....should I fail. I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moments love. I have cried, pained, and hoped.....but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least some day I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was..... A Soldier. --Deepest and most heart-felt sympathy--Nikki CoanLouisville, Ky.
There beside a grave she stands, a folded flag clutched in her hands. A silent teardrop on her face, her brave young child has entered grace. She does not hear the sermon said, just memories run through her head. The child she held so long ago, the child with faith she let go. The child who heard the nation's call, and in the end gave it all, without fear or thoughts of self, thoughts of freedom and little else. The bugle sounds TAPS in the wind, a mournful song it does send. A reminder to us all, that for freedom this, this price was paid, and her sweet young to rest was laid.~~Thank youStaff Sgt. Bolander for fighting for Freedom and America.~~To his family and friends--May GOD bless you--with bright stars in the sky when in doubt--with smiles when the road seems long--with sunshine to warm you when the world seems cold--with love to greet you when each day is done.~~Norma coan, Louisville, Ky.
You are a true hero for doing your part for our country. Everyone that knows you and your family will always watch over and support them. Your sacrifice will always be remembered.
My Beloved Husband,Today I light this candle to remind you that I hold you in my heart and I have a love for you that will last throughout all eternity. I long to be in your arms for just one more day if I could. But being that is not possible, I keep you safe in my heart until we meet againMy heart to only yoursYour wife Barbara
HEY MAN U WERE MY CLASSMATE FOR 12 YEARS WE GREW 2GETHER NOW I REALIZE WHAT LIFE CAN REALLY BE ABOUT, WE HAD SO MANY GOOD DAYS AT PECHS, BUT I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU JOHN~~~~~R.I.P.
There was no love more genuine than mine; in giving and receiving it was pure. Grieve not, for my legacy is love, pure and true, each memory a gift that will endure returning you to moments fair and fine.
A life well-lived doesn't end any more than the music ends, it echoes through time with whispers of beauty and grace. If we listen, we can hear the encore with our hearts, for the song plays on, just as love lives on. Just remember that grief cannot take away the happiness you shared, that sorrow will fade in time, but love remains forever.~~Irene Richmond, Louisville, Ky.
The tide recedes but leaves bright seashells on the sand, the sun goes down but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops & yet it echoes on in sweet refrains....for every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.~~Sydney Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
No person is ever truly alone. Those who live no more, whom we loved, echo still within our thoughts, our words, our hearts. And what they did and who they were becomes a part of all that we are forever.~~Ken Meyer, Louisville, Ky.
In the quiet moments when the hurt is hard to bearmay love become your shelter and may the beauty of precious moments be your comfort.~~Cora Meyer, Louisvillle, Ky.
To all that loved Luke, our condolences. Our cousin, Kyle W. Wilks was the other soldier that was killed by the IED that took Luke's life that horrible night. Our hearts broke for our beloved Kyle and we share in your loss of Luke as well. We will keep Luke's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
We miss you so much Kyle and wish you were still with us. Our hearts are broken but we are very proud of the life you lead. We will never forget our beloved Kyle.Mike & Marvella
I only meet you once but you touched my daugther and son-in-laws heart.You will be very missed .We will all meet again .......... Mrs. Lisa(Heather Moore mother)
You are so missed. I think of you every day and pray that you rest in peace. Thank you for your friendship and everything you have done for our country. You are my HERO....today, tomorrow and always!!!!!
Thank you for your sacrafice in the war on terror. You are an example to all to make this a better and safer nation. I will be honored to escort you to your final resting place. May you forever be held in the loving hands of your god! Lee (Numbawon) Harmon Charlie Co. 3rd of the 4th Combat Vets Assoc. Patriot Guard Riders
Blake A Harris was my only child. He left behind a wife Joanna and a son Jonah 3 1/2 yrs old. He loved serving his country. May he never be forgotten. Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of his hand. Deborah Harris