Memorial Day

 

A day of remembrance, a day to reflect and for some a day to mourn. Never a day to cast judgment. As a service members, the loss of our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the line of duty (and sometimes beyond that) is close to our hearts. We know their families, we have to go on without their presence in our day to day lives and we have to look the children in their eyes searching for some words that may comfort or provide understanding. We see the people of this country bowing their heads using words like “remember” and “never forget” but do they really mean it? Some politicians pretending to understand service to the country but never truly connecting with the loss of a true combat brother and the meaning of that sacrifice  

For me, it’s perfectly acceptable. Have your BBQs, go on your trips, plan your long weekends.  The ones we lost would have done the same, they would have loaded up their families on a long trip or had a couple colds ones for race day. It’s part of being an American. To enjoy that freedom that so many did die for and secure. The price of freedom is paved with broken families, blood and horrible stories that the survivors sometimes feel bittersweet when they see people frolicking about what they will do on their extended weekend. It angers us, what was the point of my friend getting blown up? So you can talk about what a pain it is to have to drive 3 hours to your stupid get away! What about the families that won’t have that, instead that family visits a grave. I get it man, the anger towards such a nonchalant attitude. BUT we choose to serve and we have CHOSEN to put our lives on the line to give our people the chance to live their lives as they see fit.

But if you are out Monday and have never served, look around you. Breathe in the air, hug your family, and be glad to be alive. And if you are so inclined think about the faceless soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen throughout our history who have died to make this such a great day for you to be alive.

I will always remember them and never forget their sacrifice. I will not make their loss meaningless and will live my life to the fullest extent possible. My children will learn of what it means and become better people for knowing that they have set the bar for the price we are willing to pay to have our freedom.