On Behalf of a Grateful Nation

 I am honored to be surrounded by veterans. My husband was a Marine, my brother retired from the Navy SeaBees, my uncle is a Vietnam veteran, grandpa served in the Philipines during World War II; so I grew up with a respect for flag and service. But I watch the struggle to acclimate to civilian life, to living in a family, after experiences of combat. I've been wrestling with what our nation, or any nation really, asks of the men and women who serve in military. What it takes to become a soldier, battle ready.

My nephew, Capt. Jonathan Wynkoop, was killed during military exercises on March 31st of this year. He is my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's only child. He leaves behind his wife and three beautiful children.

A moving part of a military funeral is the presentation of a flag to the solder's surviving family. Sitting next to my in-laws during Jonathan's funeral allowed me to experience this moment. So bittersweet. After the playing of Taps, the flag that has been draped over the casket is folded, with military precision, and then presented to the family. A soldier, kneeling in front of the widow, mother or next of kin, looks the family member in the eye and repeats these words...

"This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service."

What will remain with me of this day, is the unwavering voice of the solider presenting the flag. In difficult circumstances, in the presence of pure grief, we once again ask our soldiers to conduct themselves beyond the emotion of the moment. To look a loved one in the eye and say "On Behalf of a Grateful Nation". God bless the soldiers that answer not only the call to protect our nation, but to serve in these moments of ceremony.

Love and Remembrance my sweet nephew.