Today is Memorial Day in the US. A day when we remember those who have given their lives in service this great nation.
This day is not “just another day”. Many will tritely dismiss this as an unnecessary formality. Many will claim that they can “honor the fallen” any day they wish and choosing a particular day doesn’t make it more real. I respect that remembering the sacrifices of our servicemen and women can be an “everyday” affair… but in the hustle and bustle of our personal rat races it helps to have a special day set aside.
This sounds cliché, but most folks don’t know how lucky they are to live in a free country like the United States. Indeed, being born here is akin to winning the cosmic lottery. This country, filled with wealth and opportunity, was forged by courage and washed in the blood of the brave. We should never take for granted what was paid for at so dear a price, lest we lose it.
So today, I’ll remember why I’m free to type whatever I want here on my blog without fear of state-sponsored beatings and reprisals. I will probably pause when my eye catches the waving of one of the many American flags flying today. Perhaps I’ll even have the privilege of hearing the Star-Spangled Banner. I say “privilege” because that’s what it is… it’s a rare jewel to have a national anthem sincerely representing one’s hard-fought freedom.
And, yes, I question the patriotism of all the cynical fools who would besmirch the flag of this nation, or what it stands for. I have family and friends who have given their lives to defend the flag, and I will gladly hit Google Maps to help someone navigate from the US to a place that flies a flag they like better.
Not only is today Memorial Day, but May is National Military Appreciation month. May 19 was Armed Forces Day. May 23 was National Military Spouse Day. I suggest honoring the fallen by also honoring those serving right now, and their families… and here’s a few easy online ways how:
Sponsor care packages // Send some coffee // Send a letter // Support the USO
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Thank you for that, Steve. Also thank you for your time served in the forces. Because people like you volunteered, even for a limited time—well, it means that my husband had the option not to. Love ya, Bro.
Your welcome.
While in the Army I not only got to serve my country, but I got lots of pieces of paper and metal… and I have the privilege of Anthrax vaccine running through my veins (a special treat everyone should enjoy). 
Dennis’ personality would have made him a good supply sergeant, though.
I just recently returned from a Vegas vacation over the holiday weekend. One thing that really bothered me was the beggars on the walkways that were trying to take advantage of people and their respect for veterans. On Monday my wife and I walked by 2 people both of which I doubt were veterans. The one that really sticks out in my mind was in a wheelchair holding a sign stating that he was a wounded veteran. As I walked by I pointed out to my wife the muscle tone in his legs.
I did see a huge procession of motorcycles on Sunday while visiting Hoover Dam. They were on a Memorial Day ride to honor our veterans. Our tour bus driver asked us all to have a moment of silence as the procession moved by.
My thanks to you and all others that have served or are serving in our military.