LETTER TO THE EDITOR
January 26, 2007
I am normally not inclined to write “Letters to the Editor” but felt it was necessary to do so at this time. This letter is in reference to the young soldier that was killed in Baghdad on January 14, this year. Sgt. James D. Riekena, was my brothers grandson. And thus I was a part of the burial ceremonies as a close spectator. I had never been this close to a military funeral before. I was left in awe.
Regardless of what we as individuals feel about the validity or non-validity of the war in Iraq, most of us do highly honor and respect the fighting men and women who are willing to sacrifice it all. As we know—sometimes they pay the ultimate price. I was awed by: the extensive positive news coverage by all of the news media—radio, newspapers, and the TV; by the response of so many friends statewide and nationwide; by so many organizations such as the veterans organizations, police departments, fire departments and others; by the military representatives; and fellow soldiers and comrades.
Being at an age of almost 70 years and growing up at the time of the 2nd World War, I, like most of my generations, are pretty darned patriotic. We grew up believing that any sacrifice was appropriate for our country—that our soldiers and sailors were heroes—that we pledged our allegiance to our flag and country, openly and proudly—that we prayed to our God whenever and wherever we felt the need. Following the funeral ceremonies we were then involved in a procession that stretched about ten miles to Sgt. J.D. Riekena’s final resting place on Mullan Road.
Patriotism is not dead! Those of us in our vehicle were stunned as we rode the length of the funeral procession. There were thousands of people along the route: very old men, whom I suspect were WWII vets, some in wheelchairs, some having difficulty standing, some being supported by others, some in their uniforms, all at attention with a smart salute and tears in their eyes; families of all ages and sizes, holding flags and saluting; employees from companies along the route all out in the cold, paying their respect; whole fire departments saluting and holding flags; so many people with their flags; their hands over their hearts, tears in their eye—saying they love their country and they love the young man, who gave his life so that they would always have a country to love.
Perhaps most especially to those teachers who took their entire classes out on a cold day to let them experience first hand what it is like to be a patriot. They were beautiful with their flags waving; their hand drawn pictures of Sgt. Riekena; their “thank you” posters; and most of all, their understanding of what had happened. Through our own tears we watched them becoming “Real Americans”.
Thank you all for honoring our lost soldier. Rest in peace J.D.
Jack Riekena
Polson, Montana