Oh Memorial Day weekend. The kick off to summer. BBQ's, beer, pools, sun. For most of general America, this is what it is. I don't fault them for that. It means they haven't personally lost in that way and that is okay. They are among the fortunate. I can remember growing up with a blinder to the fact that real people, real people among us have given their life for our country. It was a different time, a more peaceful time for us. I also didn't live next to a rapidly deploying military institution. Many of the kids my children go to school with have personally lost.
How did this holiday become a celebration? Is Happy Memorial Day such a bad term? I can only reflect on the only one I was close to that perished in such a way. He would want the loss we experienced to be a celebration of his life. If we are so solemn for what we were given as a result.. we are who we are as a country, because of those who have given their life. Respect the reason, but don't be afraid to make it a day to celebrate with those you are close to. Enjoy the day that we have... because of those who sacrificed. Celebrate. Honor. Remember.
My children don't remember their Uncle's physical presence. I have pictures that remind. They know he was full of love and acceptance and a very unique persona. He raged at the Nashville goth clubs at night and was a dutiful soldier during the day. He was so happy to be an Uncle he cried. We were cheated to see what a wondeful man he could become. Newly married and embracing family life of his own... he was never far. His life was taken too quickly by the tides of war but he stands among the honorable forever.
Happy Memorial Day to everyone. May you remember and be thankful.
