Why We Wear Red Poppies

Editor's Note: Navy Commander Stefan Xaudaro gave the keynote address during Memorial Day at the Waitsburg Cemetery. It is reprinted here in its entirety with only minor editing.

This is the second and fi- nal installment of his speech. H ere I witnessed the durability and dedication of the mostly 19 to 20-year-old Sailors, the vast majority enlisted. With only four and a half acres to operate on, those Sailors would routinely sweat and toil for 16 hours or more per day to prepare, taxi, launch and then safely recover fast moving aircraft. The conditions were unforgiving. They would perform these duties day in and day out and may not have been so cheerful about it but nonetheless did their duty. Because there is a saying in the Navy that if a Sailor 'ain't complaining (or the B-word in Sailor parlance) he ain't happy' and I am sure that applies to all services.

So in times of peace, Memorial Day may seem more historical than immediate, as we look back at how members of the American military gave their lives for their country during wartime.

Today, with our country's military members in harm's way in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations, Memorial Day takes on even greater meaning.

In the last decade, American airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines have placed their lives on the line in southwestern Asia. In Iraq, more than 3,400 American service members have been killed in action, and nearly 32,000 have been wounded. In Afghanistan, more than 1,200 American military personnel have been killed in action, and more than 11,000 have been wounded.

The day really should be used to remember the brave members of the American military who risk life and limb for their country every day.

I want to remember one veteran in particular - My Dad. Private First Class Stefan Dominic Xaudaro, 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Regiment, Item Company, United States Army. My Father immigrated to the United States from war-torn Poland in 1947 as a war orphan. He taught himself how to speak English and became an American citizen. In 1952, he was drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean War and as the war drew to a close the 7th Infantry Division fought in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill.

It was there that my Dad was severely injured when a shell hit his fox hole. He did not receive hospital treatment for 17 days and subsequently spent 7 months in an Army hospital healing and committed to walking. He walked again, returned to Service and lived a full and healthy life. My Dad was always a vocal supporter of the military and I was never so honored and proud when he read me the oath of office when I was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.

So later while stationed at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Washington, I would fly my EA-6B jet at a few hundred feet over his house which was just down the road from here near Lamar. I would call him and let him know I was coming, so when I flew over his house as fast and low as I legally could, I would catch a glimpse of him standing outside in a field waving his big American flag. Some of my squadron buddies would do the same - they loved it and I know he did too. While my Dad was always very proud to be a Pole, he would always say that it was the United States that gave him his opportunities and that he was an American and Patriot at his core.

So in closing, I would like to recite the poem 'In Flanders Field' which was a major battle fought in Belgium in World War I and where poppies grew naturally. Many of the dead from that battle and from all nations who were in combat are buried there.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe :

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

Thank you so much for letting me address you today, enjoy your Memorial Day and may God bless the United States of America.