Memorial Day

We have seem to have forgotten what this weekend is for. I see people hustling along the highway heading to the malls with coupons in hand, trying to get to that sale. People are getting the grills fired up, cracking open a few beers and having a festival unofficially ushering in summer. 

Amidst all the barbeques, picnics and pool parties; I hope that we all can remember that this day is meant for our veterans. In a nation where our military is based on an all volunteer basis, it is the least we can do. This means that every man and woman serving, doing the job of protecting our shores, investments and allies; made the decision to sacrifice their lives for ours. Think about that, not one was forced in, dragged in the middle of the night and slapped with a gun, they decided to be honorable and selfless for their country and in turn for each one of us. 

During this election year I have heard a lot of people (pundits, commentators and politicians) describe what America is, what we need or should do in our future. We are becoming separated into Blues and Reds, but on this one day, it is my fervent hope that we remember that we are the Red, White and Blue. The soldiers who have served do not care about our political affiliations, they care only for our nation. For years we pledged it in school "One nation under God", maybe we knew better then, then we do now.

Unfortunately, when our vets come home it is to a nation that has a struggling economy, many have returned with physical and emotional scars. It is our duty and responsibility to them to help provide the support they now need. For our soldiers still serving, we can send a care package or a note thank you. It isn't much to ask for. For those willing there is a great program you can volunteer with called Operation Gratitude. 

So on Sunday, we should give gratitude and say thanks to our vets, past, current and present.  On Monday we should take a moment to give a solemn prayer to the memories of all who served. Take the kids to a local parade in your town to show your support before lighting up the BBQ's or dipping your toe in the pool. However you decide to do it, remember this day is meant for something other than shopping and eating. For all those headstones in a cemetery of a fallen soldier, there is a son, a daughter, a father, a mother, a brother and or a sister; who is no longer here, because they gave up their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms of this great nation.  There is nothing wrong with welcoming summer, but for one day, let us take a pause and tell a soldier you appreciate what they are doing, or have done. 

I know I usually give a quote to end my blog entries, but today I want to leave you with a few facts first. 

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and began at the end of the Civil War. The North and South had both decorated the graves of the fallen soldiers. The first official "Memorial Day" began in 1868, and was marked as a day to commemorate the soldiers who had died in the Union armies in the North and the Confederates of the South.  Marked with a parade and picnic at the gravesides. The tradition changed over the course of time, with what we now do in the twenty-first century, with parades on the last Monday of May.

and now for the quote; "Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored." - Daniel Webster

Happy Memorial Day and thank you to those who served and still do, 

gallantly defending our shores.