Thoughts on Memorial Day

As I sat here this morning watching the graduation at West Point I had a lot of mixed emotions. I am so proud of each of the graduates and their families.

As Memorial Day is fast approaching I hope people remember what the day is for. Until I read a letter from a American Widow last week I hadn't give much thought to the words, Happy Memorial Day, but after reading her letter I now do. Honestly it isn't a "Happy" day, it is a day to remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we can enjoy the "official" start to summer, the BBQ's, the pools being open and numerous sales. If you go to a cemetery on Memorial Day and you see someone at a loved one's grave and you notice they are a veteran don't say Happy Memorial Day to them but instead how about saying Thank You for your sacrifice. I have made several trips though out the years and didn't really think about it but now I do. Please remember that the people you see there are remembering the good times when their loves ones where here with them and maybe if you see a young person at the grave of a loved one with small children how about asking if you can keep an eye on the little ones so that the loved one can have a moment alone.

As we continue on in our fight we are losing so many of our hero's and it isn't just happening on the battle field. We are loosing them even when they return home. Each and everyone we loose or have lost leave behind so many loved ones that continue on each and everyday. Not only are the lost ones our hero's but their loved ones are too. They are the ones that make the trips to lay flowers, flags, pictures or other times at their site, they are the ones who go to bed at night and get up the next day and continue on rather they want to or not. So many who have lost loved ones have gone on to make changes in so many people's lives.

Memorial Day is a great day but a sad day. It is the one day a year that we are to honor those who have left us. It is the one day that we are supposed to remember those who had the courage to stand up and want to make a difference in this country. It seems that a lot of people find the day as a day to throw huge parties, go shopping or get that extra day off work or school but really don't give thought to the true meaning of the day. Since we have been down here, I go to the walls that we have here on post and last year had the pleasure of meeting two families whose loved ones names were etched on the black granite wall for 1st Cav. I thanked them and spent time with them. All they wanted to do was to have someone listen to them talk about their loved ones and that was the most important thing to do, was to just stand there and listen to them. Yes tears were shed but I got so much from talking with them and I will never forget them.

So as you get ready to plan your BBQ's, day at the lake or whatever it is you do for Memorial Day, please take the time to really remember what Memorial Day is for and if you are fortunate enough to see family members who are honoring their loved ones, thank them for their sacrifice and for what they do each and everyday.

Please continue to keep all members of our military and their families in your thoughts and prayers.