Page 82 - some-stuff-i-wrote-and-some-stuff-i-didn't-(2011)-h-morris-williams

Some Stuff I Wrote and Some Stuff I Didn't (2011) H. Morris Williams

Miserable and depressed, I walked to the truck we came in and climbed into
the back. I sat there alone for a long time feeling sorry for myself.
The mix-up in the program was bothering me but I realized I was also
feeling guilty. I was thinking about me when I should have been thinking
about Benjamin Duke.

I left the truck and headed toward my scoutmaster, L.O. Collier. I knew I
could depend on him to make me feel better.

Suddenly I was in her arms and felt her soft kiss, and her tears on my cheek.

“I am Benjamin Duke’s mother,” she whispered. I have felt such a heavy
burden since Ben left us. Today, I felt part of that burden lifted. Your
prayer helped me so much. I will always remember it.”

Back home a week later I got a letter from her. She thanked me for
participating in the dedication ceremony. In part of her letter, she recalled
my little prayer almost word for word. That’s how I can recall it now. She
asked me to write to her from time to time. I never did. Fourteen year olds
don’t write many letters. I wish I had written her. I never heard from her
again.

Recently I traveled to the Ocean Pond Recreation Area to see the memorial
plaque. It is still there. The plaque reminded me that a young forester gave
his life for our country some 60 years ago, and that a grateful country
memorialized his supreme sacrifice the best way it knew how.

The plaque also reminded me of Ben Duke’s grieving mother and the high
price she and all like her have paid for giving their sons and daughters for
our country’s freedom.

Rest in peace, Benjamin Duke, and all the Benjamin Dukes of American
History. Memorial Day is for you.

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