Memorial Day

According to Wikipedia Memorial Day is “a United States federal holiday that honors service members and is observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. service members who died while in the military service First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War it was extended after World War to honor Americans who have died in all wars”  Let’s think of that for a moment.   People think Memorial Day is the start of the summer season.  It is time for the beach, camping, numerous Bar B Ques, Swimming pool openings, Family reunions, etc.  To me it is a lot more.  A friend of mind said it best when he said Thanksgiving is a day we give thanks for what we have, Memorial Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have. Please don’t get Memorial Day and Veterans Day confused.  Memorial Day is a day that frankly will be very solemn for many Americans. Do you realize that we as a nation have lost over 6000 people (according to icausalties.org) in the war on terrorism alone? This weekend will be a time to place flowers and flags on gravesites, time to remember past loved ones who paid the ultimate price so we can celebrate and enjoy not only our freedoms but our weekend. I will toast a beer for many of my friends who have departed before their time and my flag will be at half staff.  I will stand in silence as rolling thunder will come to Washington DC this weekend, lest we forget! During the weekend when parades flood your communities stand, look at the flag, and remember what this weekend means! Take a little time this weekend to remember those who are not coming home, also remember the families of those who have fallen. They live this hell every day. You may or may not know one but this has hit the entire nation, not just one community. My hats off to the families, the people who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who do not forget and thank our service members every day. The holiday will happen on Monday but I thought it may be good to put this out a little early. I know this is a little out of character for me but I feel it is important, I just don’t like to hear “it is just another long weekend”, you won’t hear that from me. Until next time!