Precious time: Absences among military families especially poignant at the holidays

Freedom isn't free.

Many in this community know quite well the sacrifice of the men and women who volunteer to risk -- and too often forgo -- their lives that the rest of us might be spared the turmoil of war or the unknowable consequence of leaving our liberties undefended.

The views of veterans politically are as varied as those of any other mixed demographic, so we won't ascribe any one sentiment to the totality of those who have or still do wear the uniform.

But one thing is certain -- for those who serve, the memory of those who fought and died in service to our country is beyond sacred. Their honor is unmatched. And those shared values are something to be passed down to the next generation.

Today we bring you the story of one service member who did just that. A storied war hero himself, Master Sgt. Mark McCowan of the U.S. Army Special Forces imparted to his family while stationed at Fort Bragg the importance of those who sacrificed it all so the rest of us might know peace and appreciate freedom.

McCowan brought his family year after year to Goldsboro to visit the grave of Pfc. Dan Bullock, the youngest U.S. Marine to die in combat in Vietnam. Bullock is buried at Elmwood Cemetery.

In the past two years, several dedications have been made to Bullock's memory. And now the McCowan family bears the burden of carrying on the tradition of visiting Bullock's grave each year on his birthday, Dec. 21, without their husband and father. Mark McCowan died between last year's visit and this year at the age of 45.

As Christmas approaches and we hold our loved ones dear -- many of us who have served or have family members who've served or are serving -- know well these times are precious. Many holidays and birthdays and anniversaries are spent apart doing our nation's bidding. Spouses and children, parents and friends are left behind to carry on the daily business of keeping house and holding families together.

So, over these next few days and maybe in our hearts and minds each day we can keep a special thought, a prayer or a kind wish for those we know who are serving or supporting a service member who is deployed.

May the reunions come swiftly and last long and hopefully always match up evenly with the number of goodbyes shared.

Published in Editorials on December 21, 2017 9:40 PM