Phillip Isaac Neel

West Point, 2005

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 27, 2019:

Phil, This weekend I had the rare opportunity to visit some of my family and extended family to gather for the wedding of one of my cousins in Rochester, NY. About a 7 hour drive from where I now live with my wife in Newport, RI I had some time to reflect on those who I have known who are no longer with us. I thought about how long it has been. The last time I saw you was your senior year in 2005 - 14 years ago. I communicated via email with you maybe a year later after you wrapped up Ranger School and deployed to Iraq. I thought about the collection of experiences I've had in that much time. The integral of the non-symmetrical, imperfect stream of life that can never be reversed or changed. In that area of space, I have been so fortunate to live, and I am most fortunate to have known you. People like you gave those like me the opportunity to fill that space with life - and all of the good and bad that comes with it. Though I do not need a holiday to think about you, I find that Memorial Day gives me the opportunity to reflect on my area of life and take stock of those who made me who I am today. I'm a major now. When I last saw you, I wasn't even a senior cadet. Back then, I would have thought the current me was old and past his prime. I'll tell you, Phil - I'm still crushing' it. And when I find myself getting beaten down, your memory helps me pick myself up because, if nothing else, I owe it to you to keep pushing on. Your memory still lives on in my heart, Phil. I'm one of the fortunate ones to have known you. Thank you for being in my thoughts, for keeping an eye on me, and for giving me comfort. You are not forgotten. -Adam

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