Memorial Day comes early this year. Let's hope the weather will cooperate and give us some sunshine. In celebrating Memorial Day, my mind goes back to the day my son said, "Mom, I joined the Army National Guard". That was almost the last thing I thought I would hear coming out of his mouth.
At that moment, I realized that he had indeed, in essence, signed a blank check to the United States of America for up to, and including his life. When that reality hit me I asked him if he was aware of what that all meant, and he indicated that he understood that.
After boot camp, AIT training and drills, he got the CALL. The call meant that he was going to Afghanistan. Unless one experiences this as a family, one does not realize the depth of that call.
After spending a year in Afghanistan, he is now back on American soil, and our first conversation about it plays over, and over in my head. I realize how many families go through these same feelings. Feelings of fear, love and pride-all rolled into one. With this knowledge and experience, I will never look at Memorial Day again in the same way.
We are honoring all that have served in whatever capacity. Not only soldiers, but everyone in the military along with their families. There are few families that have not been touched by this experience. Some families have given more than others as their soldier paid the ultimate price for his/her country. Some came back, but are suffering with pain, some physically, some mentally, never
to live the same lives again. Let us honor and respect all.
With the changing of the seasons, especially in Wisconsin, this is a time for renewal, replanting, and rejoicing in the warmer weather.
When we put those plants in the garden and watch them grow, may we also remember all those who have served to keep us a free country.
It is with deep thanks and respect I will honor all those who have served.
Happy Memorial Day.
Stay tuned.
It is indeed difficult for those who have not served, especially during wartime, to appreciate all that it means for those who have. And those who have, do not expect those who have not to understand. And that is ok. To see what is happening right now to our veterans, and the lack of support from our government's administration is unconscionable. The very freedoms that we ALL enjoy are ONLY made possible through the sacrifices of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to not understand that is NOT ok. I have always maintained that a requirement for US citizenship should be that one must spend the winter of 1777 in Valley Forge with General Washington. Please pray for all those currently putting their lives on the line for us and pray for those families who see this Memorial Day as their first, struggling with the loss of a loved one who is not longer with them.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Richard, Amen
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