6,530...

It amazes me how sometimes the simplest of things when multiplied, can have such a profound effect.  Sort of like how one spoonful of ice cream is tolerable, but a whole pint of Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey?  Well, initial satisfaction followed quickly by remorse...just sayin'.    Taken to a more serious extreme, I came face to face with a similar feeling 6,530 times yesterday, when I visited the Parental Units.

I pulled into the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown around 10:15 yesterday morning, and was greeted by some interesting activity.  A group of residents were on the lawn planting FLAGS.  Not just planting, but planting METHODICALLY.  Row after row after row after row of pristine straight lines of flags.  

EXCEPT, for this one...

Of course I had to stop, and talk a bit, and find out what was going on...had I missed Veteran's  Day?  Nope, it was the "Massing of the Colors".  A memorial to each of the 6,530 United States Soldiers who have died in combat since 9/11 fighting the War on Terrorism.  

I like to think I don't live in a shell, cocooned from reality.  Actually, I live in Pennsylvania!  And we DO have newspapers and television here!  But these 6,530 simple flags grouped together in this display was a smack in the face of reality to me that no Philly Inquirer or ABC Action News broadcast could come close to.

A simple memorial to those who thought beyond "simple" when it comes to dedication, service and honor.  Thank you to all our veterans and those who are currently serving. And thank you to the National Sojourners, a Masonic organization of military members who organized the "Massing of the Colors" in Elizabethtown, PA.

--Kathy