Monday, May 31st. Memorial Day. We Americans pause to honor those who have sacrificed their lives that we might taste of freedom.
Some decry the fact that Memorial Day, like most holidays, has become commercialized. Some think it's just the "official" beginning of summer. But that's not right. The day was created to honor those who died in battle, giving "the last full measure" for us. What a burden that knowledge is. To realize, as we eat BBQ ribs, drink ice-cold beer, watch baseball and enjoy a day away from work that MILLIONS of men and women willingly died so that we could do this? How can we enjoy ourselves knowing that they are dead while we are being so flippant?
Well, I'm a veteran like my brother and father before me. I like to think that if I had to die so that you (yes, YOU, my unknown reader) could know the incredible feeling of freedom, that I would want you to enjoy a drink and some good food when you think of me. Don't cry because our fellow Americans loved us and their country enough to die for it. Rejoice! We can never repay them directly. We can only carry our part of the burden and pass this amazing gift along to our children and the children of other Americans.
If those fallen soldiers were here now, what would they want to do? Probably the same thing. I hope you're enjoying yourself and spending time with your loved ones. I am.
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