Daniel Brian Hyde

West Point, 2007

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Adam Nordin on May 25, 2026:

Dan. 19 years of service. 18 years since we last saw each other flashing our black and gold tabs. 17 years since you last walked among us. I'm a battalion commander now. I didn't think I'd stick around this long, but here I am. Our classmates are killing it. Everyday I have to decide to stay afloat among them- it doesn't come automatically. We didn't know back then the privilege we had of 'growing up' together. I have a son who wants to be a Soldier like his dad (and all his friends) and an incredible wife who puts up with this life. I had some of my Troopers graduate Ranger school a couple weeks ago. They took the classic Ranger School photo by the water, left shoulders proudly on display. Just like we did. When I saw their photo, I saw all our faces. It took me a second to snap back to reality. Last week I did a Memorial Day event with my battalion. Nothing too formal. Late start to the day. Some words about the meaning of the day. An obstacle course steeped in the unit's history. Ended it with some awards and a BBQ. When I was addressing the formation, I told them how I write to some of my classmates who are no longer here. I got emotional briefly... I didn't want to, but I felt it important to convey to them the meaning of the weekend. Some of us carry painful memories. Many of them do not have those memories like us, but that's ok - it's good, in fact. But, I hoped my message penetrated for them to spend some time reflecting about their place in the world- walking the path of courage, sacrifice, pain, and hardship. A path that few will ever walk. I've become very aware of my age this last year. Maybe the approach of retirement - the word is inextricably tied to age - or the fact that I ache a little more than I remember. Whatever it is, I think how my final memories with you was quite the opposite- we were carefree and on the rise. You were definitely on the rise. I will never understand the how or why for any of this. I think about who we were when we decided to walk this path. We were 16... 25 years ago (a quarter century!) when we decided the Army was our future. We had no idea the perils or burdens (nor excitement) that await. It was that decision that led us together and to the point we are at now. I would trade a lot to have you back with us. Maybe some day I'll understand how we got here. Until we meet again, Dan. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for keeping an eye on me - and us. It's a burden few can manage. -Adam

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