Remembrance Pieces

The Army has its own paper that gets distributed through out the theatre. It’s called the Stars & Stripes. Most of the articles are syndicated just the same as many news publications. I’ll usually read an AP article online before I see it again in the Stars and Stripes. Just like any good publication, the Stars & Stripes will take into account their audience, so there are also plenty of articles written about issues that are important to the military. Articles about policy changes, new equipment, political speeches, institutional rhetoric, and of course some stories from the war that weren’t quite exciting enough for the associated press. I’m leaving something out. What kind of periodical would the Stars & Stripes be if it didn’t have human interest stories? There are different kinds of human interest stories, the Stars & Stripes usually covers all the bases, but the ones I’m referring too are the ones that highlight the life of a recently deceased soldier. Remembrance Pieces. I think it’s a good thing to reflect on these soldiers and for others to read about them. These articles usually follow the same format. I always know the names.

They talk about the impressions that soldier left behind.

They talk about the interests that soldier left behind.

They talk about the family that soldier left behind.

They talk about how that solider moved on.

Remembrance.

The format is usually pretty typical but the content is personal. It’s specific to the soldier. The last one I read the soldier was described as committed and courages. Qualities he undoubtedly possessed, but he also came off as bit awkward. In a simple and amiable sort of way. It talked about him not having a girlfriend and how he and a close female friend of his would always talk about that. I’m not sure if that’s something I would necessarily want in an article like that, but it’s sincere nonetheless. It doesn’t much matter anyway. The article talked about a particular tattoo he had on his shoulder. He was described as being proud of that tattoo and had identified himself with it. It was a tattoo of the superman symbol.

I don’t always read the Stars & Stripes, but when I do, I always read these stories.

I remember looking at his tattoo.

~Rolligun