Memorial Day Weekend Insights

I originally wrote this in 2012.  It received so many positive comments that I decided to repost it every year, just as it was written then.  God bless our troops and their families as we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Memorial Day Weekend

What will you be doing this weekend?   Attending a cookout, going on a picnic, boating, beachin’ it, maybe attending a parade? 

Have we, as a nation, forgotten the true purpose of Memorial Day? 

Do our children know what Memorial Day is really about? 

Memorial Day has become a weekend of fun for many families.  It has also become a day to remember anyone who has passed away.  I dare say, most families do not need a special day to remember a loved one who is no longer with them. 

 

As a reminder…  

Memorial Day is a day to honor, and respectfully remember, those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.   This is a great link about the history of Memorial Day - http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html.

This year is especially dear to my family.  You see, our son is in the Army.  Two soldiers from his platoon did not return from their deployment, about six months ago.  I know those men are never far from their buddies thoughts, and I imagine this weekend may be tough for them.  My husband and I will be spending our time working on the yard and grilling out, here at home.  I can tell you though, that we will be remembering those brave souls who gave their lives so that we may continue to live in the land of the free.  We will offer up prayers for the family members, friends, and battle buddies who lost loved ones in the wars. 

Yes, America still involved in international conflicts. 

It may not seem like it here on US soil, but American service members put their lives on the line, every hour of every day, so that we may enjoy our freedom here in the good ole’ USA.  Not only are our deployed military losing their lives, but many of our troops here at home lose the battle of struggling to survive with TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  The unseen wounds of war continue to take a toll on our veterans.

Did you know President Clinton passed a resolution in 2000 about a moment of silence on Memorial Day?  I came across it in my research for this blog.  Here it is - http://www.usmemorialday.org/Speeches/President/may0200.txt

In short, it calls for a moment of silence at 3PM on each Memorial Day.

I do not mean to take away anyone’s fun. 

I apologize if this blog has been a downer.  It is meant to be an eye-opener, a reminder.  Yes, ENJOY your long weekend, but please do take a moment at 3PM on Monday to remember those who gave all, and those who live on without them.

Have a great weekend!  HOOAH!