Memorial Day
Most people see this day as a day off, a chance to kick back, pound a couple of cold ones, and throw cow parts on the grill. Still other people see today as the beginning of summer, and tourists are flocking to rivers and water parks to soak up some sun(wear sunscreen!).
There is no holiday like Memorial Day. This day is to honor the people who died to protect that which we hold dear, our liberties. We in this country have the right to pursue happiness because soldiers protect that right. We are able to kick back with beer and cow parts and float down a cool river because of those soldiers.
My father served in the Army for 28 years. He went to Viet Nam. My father-in-law, who recently passed away, served in the Pacific during WWII. I have uncles and cousins and second cousins and some third cousins who have served in the military, past and present. Almost everyone I know is either in the military, going into the military, or related to someone in the military.
Whether you like it or not, soldiers are vital to our identity as a country. We are the country we are because those soldiers are/were willing to die to make it so.
Today, before you toss back those beers, stop and think about those people who have died protecting your right to stand next to your grill.
Don't forget.
On this day we almost always head to Fort Snelling National Cemetary...as a child it was to visit my brother's grave...and as a teen until now for my father. He served in the Navy. We do that first...then we go about the other stuff...
ReplyDeleteThank your family for me. I had an Uncle who went to Nam and he didn't come back the way he went in. Please extend my gratitude.
ReplyDelete