Comments on: SERGEANT SMITH • by Mark Partin

By: Deborah H.

Deborah H. — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:13:55 +0000

IMO, This story gives us a moment of reflection, and pause, about the men and women who have sworn to defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And also, about how we pay homage to them.

As we rush throughout our day, we can easily take for granted the sacrifices that are made for our life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Even when the reminder is sitting on a bench at a busy intersection.

Because of their oath, we have the freedom to cast stones of self-righteous judgement, never fully realizing the extent of their sacrifice to serve and protect us.

By: Debi Blood

Debi Blood — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:49:32 +0000

I just didn’t get it. I don’t normally consider myself a stupid person, but if there was any point to this story, it escaped me entirely.

By: Sheila

Sheila — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:21:53 +0000

Not being American I have no sympathy for the patriotic glorification of war with which the story ends. He stood tall … what a cliché! He decides to take on the responsibility given to him – and yet he doesn’t seem too worried about losing two Marines which were killed under his command.
As for style: I love the sentence “only Smith could see the drops …”(great image). While I don’t know why we need to know he tossed his duffel into the jeep, I do like that we don’t know what is in the blue box with the ribbon. That leaves space for our imagination.
I agree with Ian that a more detailed examination might be interesting. At this length, it’s rather simplistic.

By: Ian Rochford

Ian Rochford — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:27:20 +0000

It’s a worthy and timely piece; more of a scene-oriented character sketch than a story, but that doesn’t really bother me, I’ve written plenty myself.

I agree with J.C. that generally soldiers are much more respected and appreciated than in the past (I had friends who came back from Nam to that sort of thing), but there is a tendency growing (in the media, anyway) to perceive returned GIs as warped, damaged and possibly dangerous. This was I read into it.

I think this would benefit from a much longer, more detailed examination of Smith, unencumbered by a word limit.

Cheers.