They also serve who only stand and wait.

On Memorial Day, I usually post on some ancestor and their adventures in the American Revolution or other war.  This year, for whatever reason, Milton's words stick in my mind about those others whom we ought to also remember and celebrate, "They also serve who only stand and wait."  

Sonnet 19: When I consider how my light is spent

by John Milton 

When I consider how my light is spent,

   Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

   And that one Talent which is death to hide

   Lodged with me useless, though my Soul more bent

To serve therewith my Maker, and present

   My true account, lest he returning chide;

   “Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?”

   I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need

   Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best

   Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state

Is Kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

   And post o’er Land and Ocean without rest:

   They also serve who only stand and wait.”

The mother's, the wives, the sweethearts, left to keep things going while the men were away in battle.  And left to pick up the pieces on those occasions when they fell and did not return.  Sacrifices somewhat less obvious but just as great.

And the men as well who left their families and farms behind to go off to fight but did not do so.  For every ancestor's story I come across at Bunker Hill or Monmouth or Germantown or Guilford Courthouse or Kings Mountain or Long Island or Lexington, there are men who simply marched and camped and marched and camped.  And died of pneumonia or cholera or any of a number of other camp diseases.

I recall reading one ancestor's account.  He was in Virginia which was several times under threat from British invasion.  From 1775-1779 he mustered I recollect some five times, each for a three month militia duty.  And on every occasion he marched.  Marched to one location to guard some prisoners.  Marched to another to forestall a British threat which did not transpire.  Marched to meet a threat from British and Indians on the western border.  Marched to yet another location to take part in a battle which ended before they arrived.  And so it went.  Ready and willing and putting life at home at risk and under personal jeopardy.  But no actual battles.  

And no less necessary as those who actually fought.  Jefferson Davis (Governor of Virginia) was constantly juggling his manpower commitments to the Continental Army while also trying to ensure the safety of his own state.  Men who ended up fighting in Germantown (two Virginia Hocombes killed and one wounded) were able to do so because some Virginia militia had answered the call and headed off a different British threat.  

I think the DAR calls non-fighting support of the Revolution something like Patriotic Service, often involving providing supplies and shelter near battlefields, and indeed those were important.  But there were all those others we should also remember this memorial day.  

They also serve who only stand and wait [and march].

And not just those of distant battles and times.  Our military depends on those willing to stand and fight on our behalf.  But they in turn depend on their parents and wives and husbands and siblings to keep things held together.  I am confident we do not appreciate near enough how much they sacrifice on our behalf, especially the junior enlisted.  They all deserve our thanks and recognition.