March 19, 2024

I watched Saturday Night Live last weekend (2/8) and had a chance to see The Dixie Chicks (two of which wear WAY to much eyeliner) perform a song from their new album called “Travelin’ Soldier”.   In its own right, it is an awesome song.  Tight lyrics, and perfect harmonies.  The lyrics are sad enough on their own, but verse three is the one that hit me the hardest:

“One Friday night at a football game,
The Lord’s Prayer said, and the anthem sang,
A man said: “Folks would you bow your head,
“For the list of local Vietnam dead.”
Cryin’ all alone under the stands,
Was the piccolo player in the marching band.
And one name read and nobody really cared,
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair.”

It’s said that you will suddenly remember an old memory just before your mind erases it forever.  Other times, as with the performance on SNL, a divine coincidence, like verse 3, will bring it back.

Friday night, October 28th, 1983.  Elkins High School, Elkins West Virginia.  The EHS Tiger’s were about to take to the football field.  Just prior to the National Anthem, the announcer asked that we observe a moment of silence while the flag was lowered to half staff  in memory of David Cosner, USMC, killed earlier that week in Beirut.  I remember a young lady (girlfriend, sister?) crying as she was comforted by family on either side of her.

I didn’t know him, but he died in the service of his country, MY country.  He is no longer here to create new memories for friends and family to remember him by.  No one would ever have need to remember his name, or the names of his 241 comrades.  This is a website that I run for the heck of it… I don’t expect books to be written, or movies to be made about him just because I’ve put his name here.  I only hope that one more person will remember his name.

2 thoughts on “David L. Cosner, USMC, RIP

  1. Thank you for remembering those who have served this nation. As one of those who served I understand the sacrifices that are made not only by our men and women in uniform but by their families and friends.

    When a person enlist in our military they are signing a contract with the Unites States for their service, and their time, and up to and possibly including their life.

    It cost nothing to say Thank You to a veteran who has offered everything to the service of his country.

  2. I was in Boot Camp with Dave and I was shocked and angered at his passing those many years ago! I think of him and his family every day! Semper Fi Dave!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *