Remembering the Fallen
How did you celebrate Memorial Day this year? Did you have a BBQ or attend a parade?
This past weekend, like many of you, I spent the weekend enjoying time with family to usher in the start of summer. Memorial Day weekend is a special time in my heart. Not only is the time I get to see family, but it’s much more than that. I get to celebrate my birthday and its on this weekend that I feel grateful for everything that I have in this life. It’s the actions of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, that we are truly free. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on remembering the fallen heroes of our great country.
While active in the military, the reality of death was always a possibility. It was something that we all had to come to terms with. It was the dedication, training and camaraderie that kept us an effective fighting force always looking out for our fellow brothers and sisters. I don’t know too many recent veterans that haven’t seen the terrors of war. On this weekend, I like to spend my birthday reminiscing of those that like me decided to defend this nation. It’s the service members that are defending the pearly gates in heaven that I feel the need to pay my respects.
For those who served
I had a proud moment as father this weekend. With my oldest daughter, I was able to share my deep pride for my service. We awoke early Saturday, to visit the local cemetery and pay our respects. My daughter’s Brownie Troop was plant flags at each and every veteran’s headstone. It was hard to keep the tears at bay as I read the names on each piece of stone and said a little something between brothers in arms. I am blessed to be able to share and teach my oldest the importance of their sacrifices and to share the sediment that they did not die in vain. I was overwhelmed with the feeling of pride to see my little girl doing her part to honor our lost heroes.
While it is important to honor the lives of those lost and to remember, it is also a time to celebrate life. For those veterans would not want us to spend our time in mourning. So this Memorial Day while I celebrated another year on earth; I lived my life to the fullest, hugged and kissed my family. Most importantly though, I prayed for those families that are without their loved ones… for this weekend is for you as well. I like to think that is how my lost friends and those before would want me too. I can imagine it is not easy to have a son, a daughter, a brother/sister or a father/mother taken from you so abruptly. May they be looking down on all of us smiling.
Next year, I think I might want to finally do a real shotgun. It would only be fitting! God Bless. Semper Fi.
