War on land and war at sea differ in profound ways. The most obvious being the unique technology and distinctive skills required to fight in two such vastly disparate environments. But there is a more elemental aspect to fighting — and sometimes dying — in a place with no land in sight.
In his account of the Battle of Marathon, Herodotus tells us that 10,000 Athenians defeated a Persian army numbering 30,000. In The History he records the toll on the victors and the vanquished:
"In this fight at Marathon there were slain of the Barbarians about six thousand four hundred men, and of the Athenians a hundred and ninety and two. Such was the number which fell on both sides."
Land battle allows, generally speaking, a physical accounting of the dead.
6,400.
100 and ninety and 2.
War at sea, more often than not, consigns those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to the reality of a truly eternal sea. They will be counted, but only as names on a muster roll.
On January 11th I commented that when able I would visit The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as "The Punchbowl," to honor the men of Princeton who, because their physical bodies were unrecovered, were memorialized as names on a wall. I had that chance a few days ago.
Situated in an extinct crater...
...overlooking the urban jungle that is Honolulu...
...The Punchbowl is a truly beautiful place.
It is a serene and peaceful spot. Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu's beaches, bars and restaurants, upon entering the grounds it subconsciously demands its tranquility be respected in kind.
As one approaches the Court of Honor opposite the entrance gate, horizontal markers for those whose physical remains were recovered, mark their final resting places.
Most are known only to loved ones. Some are known more broadly.
Prior to reaching the steps leading to the Court of Honor is the following dedication:
THIS MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ERECTED
BY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
IN PROUD AND GRATEFUL MEMORY
OF HER SOLDIERS SAILORS MARINES AND AIRMEN
WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES
IN ALL QUARTERS OF THE EARTH
THAT OTHER PEOPLES
MIGHT BE FREED FROM OPPRESSION
Flanking the steps leading to the summit of the memorial are marble slabs — The Courts of the Missing - which are the reason our Princeton journey has brought us here. Inscribed at the base of the steps are the following words:
IN THESE GARDENS ARE RECORDED
THE NAMES OF AMERICANS
WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES
IN THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY
AND WHOSE EARTHLY RESTING PLACE
IS KNOWN ONLY TO GOD
"And whose earthly resting place is known only to God." 18,096 Americans who died during World War II in the central, south, west and north Pacific regions are recognized here, their names etched in marble for their countrymen to acknowledge.
On this day, we are here to acknowledge three of them.
Ensign James B. Boyd, aged 26
Lieutenant (JG) William G. Buckelew, aged 23
Lieutenant (JG) Elwyn P. Eubank, aged 28
Herodotus instructs us to study history "so that the actions of people will not fade with time."
I make an honest effort, particularly on days our culture recognizes specifically for remembrance, to actually read and digest the names of those who have sacrificed their tomorrows for my todays.
Not knowing the answers of the universe — none among us do — I hold out hope that the men whose names fall under my gaze will somehow know and appreciate it.
NNNN
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