To View With Childlike Eyes Is to See The Real Heroes

Memorial Day is a celebratory federal holiday within the United States that has valuable meaning to many. It provides an opportunity for all to recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice (life,) while serving in the armed forces. This love of country, and willingness to accept the tremendous responsibilities that came with a challenging and often dangerous job-is what aided in the development of the freedoms we currently enjoy. For most adults this day comes with an understanding of why we celebrate, the recollection of stories shared by family members, and the overwhelming feeling of varied emotions. However, when you have an opportunity to view the holiday through the eyes of a child, you begin to understand what it means to be a true hero.

Seven-year-old, Nicholas Wilson of Lake Wilderness Elementary found his interest peaked this Memorial Day, when his teacher, Ms. Lynn spoke about the importance of the holiday. While listening intently, he became intrigued and could barely contain himself that holiday morning. His grandmother, Marylu San Martin, a local Montessori teacher listened as her grandson inquired if she understood the importance of what this day represented. His explanation of “Lots of soldiers and lots of people fought in different wars to protect us so that we can be happy and free. The soldiers were very kind, they are dead now. This is so sad because they didn’t do anything bad and they probably had kids and they got very sad when their da-das died,” detailed his understanding. Insisting that he wear clean clothing to honor the fallen heroes, Nicholas changed in to his American shirt, adorned his American glasses, and grabbed American flags. Along with his family: grandmother, mother, Tatiana, and little brother, Bebes. They prepared to make their way to Tahoma National Cemetery. First, there was one more stop that had to be made to make the day just right.

Slowly walking the grounds with his family, clutching the additional American flags purchased at a nearby store, Nicholas now had everything he needed. He carefully began taking in the sights, along with the other guests. As he walked by the headstones, he asked his family to read the names aloud. Nicholas wanted to know more. Approaching several of the headstones, he provided them with a gentle hug. Coins were visible throughout the headstones. Nickels, Dimes, Pennies, symbolizing visitors paying their respect, or someone having served at boot camp or in another capacity with the veteran. Stopping at the big flag on the grounds, there were many veterans in uniform visible. Standing erect, Nicholas gave a huge salute and surprised those around him with his next step.

A true wresting fan himself, he began to belt out the song Real American by Hulk Hogan. His audience watched proudly, and looked on in amazement. Once finished, Nicholas received a round of high-fives. Through glassy eyes, and a broad smile, his shouts of “I did it LULU,” to his grandmother said it all. This was a day he would never forget. As he left the grounds with his family, glancing over his shoulder he exclaimed “next year we can bring lots of pennies.” Today, he had been surrounded by a field of heroes. This was a memory he would always cherish.