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Story Archives: Soldiers 'are why the United States is so blessed'


Soldiers 'are why the United States is so blessed'
by Scott Rogers - posted Thursday, May 28th, 2009 @ 1:52 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
Some soldiers don't fade away; they return to join the fight.

That's the case for Master Sgt. Daniel Mejias of Monroe. After retiring from 33 years of military service in 2006, Mejias will return to active duty in August.

"I kind of, sort of knew at some point in time I would re-enlist," Mejias said. "During retirement, I didn't necessarily miss the job as much as I missed the people … the soldiers. That's what brought me back into it."

Mejias was one of several area veterans who attended Monday's Memorial Day tribute by the Blue Star Mothers of Northeast Louisiana.

If there's one thing that all veterans have in common, it's a story that remained with them their entire life, Mejias said. Some are willing to talk about their experiences, some are not.

"It's funny because on certain days like Memorial Day, you see all these vets who come around, and all they talk about is their stories," Mejias said. "My encouragement to them is the only way they get their stories out is to tell their grandkids. Tell your story to them, because to me, it's better than a history book. It's a way to pass on a legacy to their grandchildren.

"Memorial Day is the day to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our soldiers are going out there making the ultimate sacrifice. They don't know if they will come back, but they are there to do their job. You can ask any soldier anytime, anywhere, why they do it. They will say, 'That's what I am trained to do. That's what I wanted to do.' "

Mejias visited many countries during his service in the military. He was in Germany when the Berlin Wall still stood. He has seen the faces of people who have gained their freedom, and he's seen the price people have paid for that freedom.

"This nation is so blessed, and a lot of people don't realize how blessed we are … you really don't understand it until you go to another country and see how they actually live," Mejias continued. "These people (soldiers) give their lives for a purpose, and that's why the United States is so blessed. They fight for a purpose and a cause. To me, I believe a soldier, above all, fights for the rights of others. It's hard to be a soldier."

At 3 p.m. Monday, there was a moment of silence for all American troops who died in the line of duty.

"I think that was fitting," Mejias said, choking back tears, "because Christ also died at 3. When you look at it, Christ intervenes, and He brings us together, and that's why this country is so blessed."
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