Posted on 05/25/2015 10:11:54 AM PDT by Kaslin
This Memorial Day, in-between the water balloon fights at the backyard BBQs and roasting of marshmallows around the camp fire, it's important to remember what this day is really about. Of course it is great if you are lucky enough get off from work to spend time with family. It the unofficial start of summer and for so many it's a day of fun and celebration. But the day also has a somber meaning that we as Americans just cannot ignore. It's a time to remember those brave men and women who fought and died in every American war. From the American Revolution to the Korean War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. From Desert Storm to WWll, and everything in-between, each of these sacrifices hold the same importance and meaning. It's because our troops have been willing to lay down their lives to protect our freedoms that we can even enjoy a beautiful day at the beach with the ones we hold dear.
As we take time to remember those who gave all for our country, we cannot forget our troops who are still fighting for that freedom every day and carry on the legacy of honor as so many before them. We have the greatest military on earth. And that is not because we have the best tanks or state of the art technology. It is simply because the Americans who defend our flag are some of the most honorable and outstanding people on earth. They stormed the beaches of Normandy and volunteered to fight after 9/11. Those who are strong enough to put on the uniform are never one to sit back and watch another country take the lead. The American military has always been the first line of defense against tyranny.
Our military men and women put their lives on the line and so often get overlooked in the Political bickering here at home. As long as there are troops abroad and here at home we must always be vigilant of their sacrifice. We ought to always strive to protect them and give them what the need to get the job done as well as welcome them home with open arms and needed resources. Memorial Day is not only a time to reflect on those brave men and women who have fought, and died for our freedoms but also a time to ask the tough questions on behalf of those who still fight. Do they have much needed resources while in the field? Have we cleaned up the VA so that our troops have access to quality care when they return?
Today we should look out over the rolling green hills of Arlington National Cemetery and take a step back to see exactly what the price of freedom is. As we watch the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier we should also think about all the families here at home who have made sacrifices as well. Many Americans can look to their own families to see the face of Memorial Day. I think of my own grandfather who fought so bravely in WWll. Many of us know someone who is a veteran or an active service member. Let us thank them this Memorial Day and continue to thank them every day.
Americans enjoy more freedoms than perhaps anyone in the world and so often we take them for granted. When a day like today comes around we must treat it with the respect and gravity it deserves because it is the least we can do for those who have given so much.
Thank you so very much...................
I hate when people say Happy Memorial Day. This is not a day for joy, but for solemnity.
People can do what they want, but I just never felt comfortable using today as a party day.
I had my time off Saturday and Sunday. Today I’ve watched lots of military documentaries and have been reading some military history. Learning a bit is the least I can do.
While it is nice to have a National Memorial Day too many of us forget that a lot of families memorialize more than just the national date.
They clearly remember what they were doing when they found out that their soldier would never again walk through the front door with the joyful statement: “Hi! I am home!”
They memorialize that day of sorrow every year.
We should remember that Memorial Day occurs through the Republic 365 days a year not on just one day in May.
To my many friends lost in combat and training actions - I will see you again, keep a beer for me.
A bit depends on we use the word "holiday." Yes, I know that thinking about how we use the word isn't the weightiest matter in the world, let alone the weightiest thing that can or should be done today. Words are also not bound to their sources. But think about how we got a word like "holiday." When the word and anything like it simply mean "a day off" or "vacation time," with no term used, no term sought, and no term missed for anything deeper, something important goes away, and something important goes awry.
While I'm on the subject of days, I'll point out something that will be obvious to many here, but others out there need reminding. The purpose of Memorial Day is not to limit our remembrance--and gratitude--to this one day, or even just to similar days scattered around the year. They were never intended to leave the other days free for ignorance, apathy, or neglect; they are not a confinement but a beginning.
Thanks for posting this.
I cannot go to Arlington without crying. I’ll never forget the Marine veteran of Iwo on his hands and knees crying at the Iwo Memorial. 50 years later and he still grieves like that. I dang near came apart.
No, it is not about picnics, parties, sales, and an extra long weekend.
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