George Jones - 50,000 Names

This weekend isn't for barbecues and opening the neighborhood pool.

Memorial Day isn't about barbecues for Christian Golczynski.  He was eight years old when LTC Ric Thompson handed him the flag that had draped his father's coffin.  That was ten years ago.

This weekend will be the tenth Memorial Day where he won't be thinking about barbecues.  Next month will be the tenth Father's Day with an empty chair at the dinner table.

That  is what Memorial Day is about.

There are many Christian Golcynskis in this land.  Kids whose fathers (or mothers) didn't come home.  Memorial Day isn't about barbecues or opening the neighborhood pool for them, either.

This weekend as you go about your normal business of life, remember SSgt Marcus Golczynski.  And Christian.  And what that sacrifice means.  May this Republic be worthy of them.



50,000 Names (Songwriter: Jamie O'Hara)

There are teddy bears & high school rings
& old photographs that mamas bring
Of daddies with their young boy, playing ball.
There's combat boots that he used to wear,
When he was sent over there.
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall


There's cigarettes, & cans of beer
& notes that say I miss you dear
& children who don't say anything at all.
There's purple hearts and packs of gum
& fatherless daughters & fatherless sons
There's 50,000 names carved in the wall


They come from all across this land
In pickup trucks and mini vans
Searching for a boy from long ago
They scan the wall and find his name
Teardrops fall like pouring rain
Silently they leave a gift and go


There's   stars of David & rosary beads
& crucifixion figurines
Flowers of all kinds large and small
There's a Boy Scout badge and a merit pin
Little American flags waving in the wind
& there's 50,000 names carved in the wall

If you are interested in Christian Golczynski's story, here is an outstanding article about him.