Memorial Day Thoughts
May 26, 2008
Memorial Day has always been a special day for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the Boston area in the era of Vietnam I remember going down to see the parade and the ceremonies at the cemetery. At the time I was really not able to fathom the sacrifice many had made on our behalf. My Dad and Mom did their best to instill in us kids the love of God & Country. Sure Memorial Day was the kick off of the summer and we often had our first cook out on that day but it was the time we spent with at the cemetery remembering those sacrifices that were made that are forever etched in my mind. In elementary school I remember the Memorial Day assembly when veterans from world war one on up would be present and the patriotic songs and speeches were given. I don’t have kids but somehow in our political correct society I’m sure the schools frown on such an activity. I’m sure it warps the development of young minds.
As the years go by those lessons of my youth are not forgotten. I never served coming of age when Ronald Regan was president and his victory over the Russians. It seemed that we were for the most part at peace. What we see clearly now was like a whisper of smoke then as radical Muslims carried out terrorist attacks on our Country and interests. All of that seemed to come to a head when they hit us on 911. We have many service people today in harms way to defend freedom like countless ones before them.
The lessons I learned in my youth are not forgotten and this day is a very special day for me. It somehow seems fitting that my Dad was finally laid to rest on Memorial Day in 2001 after he lost his battle with cancer the previous Thanksgiving. Living in Maine the winters are long and the final laying someone to rest often waits till spring. Dad served in Korea and although he rarely talked about his experiences he was proud to serve to keep all of us free like thousand upon thousand of others who have done the same.
What has become an annual event for me I watched the National Memorial Concert from Washington DC last evening. A very moving tribute to all that have served or are serving our great country. The World War II vets are fading fast I hope people are listening to their voices so we never relive the horrors they had to face. I’m not sure that enough of us have listened as I watched the old scenes that our troops found in Germany compared to the horrors that I believe we’ll see in our lifetime if we stumble with the conflict we face today.
I hope you take some time today to reflect on really what the cost of freedom is. Instill some of this in the younger generations so they are ready to answer the call of freedom. Take time to thank a veteran for keeping us free. Pray for those that have returned home with wounds and injuries that they may heal. Uphold the families that have lost a love one. Be an active part of “A Grateful Nation” and thank those who have stood to keep us free.
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[...] USA and I’m very thankful for those who have served this country over the years. I re read my post from last year and I certainly still feel that way today. God Bless [...]