Daniel Brian Hyde

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 25, 2020:

Dan, This is one of the first times I've sat down to chat with you and truly taken in how long ago we lost you, and how young we were the last time I saw you. It's been over a decade. I'm in my 'mid' thirties. I'm getting gray hair. I ache in weird places. BUT, I haven't stopped pushing the envelope. If for no other reason, I owe that last one to you and to the men like you. Those who came, gave every bit of their heart to their people, their friends and family, and to their country, and can't stand here today to feel what it's like to be older. In some ways, the memory of you keeps me young. It grounds me. It reminds me of the old days. The days when we didn't have a care in the world, when our biggest life challenge was getting through Ranger school, and the newest thing was getting sent off to our first assignment. And that's when it all changed. I'm not trying to be dramatic. But the last 11 years have been a whirlwind. And, unfortunately Dan, all I can report is that not much in the world has changed. We're still at odds and fighting the same people. We now have a pandemic that has done all but stopped the Earth on its axis - nearly 2 million cases in the US, over double that globally, and about 100,000 Americans dead from this awful disease. The rules of 'social distancing' is challenging the fabric of human nature - our ability to interact with each other without fear of contracting a hidden virus that could kill a healthy 30-something in as little as 2 weeks. As I take it all in and reflect on your memory, I take refuge in the belief that there is goodness on this Earth. That people like you give us something to aspire in hopes that one day, when we are faced with the greatest decision, we will rise to the challenge, confront our enemies, and take action because it is right. It is right for ourselves, and for those who we love most. Dan. You were taken from us all too soon. You were one of the best of us. And, for the next year, I will continue to ask you to keep a watch over us. To shine the light when it is dark. And to guide us to make the right decision. You are not forgotten, brother. Until we talk again. -Adam

admin