Happy Memorial Day?

I would be remiss if I didn't write about Memorial Day.  Historically it would be the day to go see my grandmother, my grandfathers and my mom, but the past few years have been hard and cemetery visits have been halted.  To be honest it's a perfect opportunity for me to realize, it's not always woe is me.  It's not a Happy Day, there is nothing happy about death, missing, or the real traumas associated with combat.  Do not wish someone a Happy Memorial Day, that just doesn't exist.

For years Memorial Day has been a day to enjoy the living.  Barbecues, the lake, the beach, relaxation.  It is so important to enjoy the living and enjoy life, but we can't forget those that are no longer with us and just as importantly, whether we know one or not, the servicemen that died defending out freedoms, It's important to take the time to thank those that served, its a time to memorialize the innocence of our veterans and their families. They have seen things I can not imagine.

You do not have to be a war supporter to thank men and woman for their service.  You do not have to be religious to say a silent prayer for that mother, father, or brother lost abroad or in their own homeland.  Wars and death allow you to live on the land you are living on, it allows you to eat the food on your table, it allows you the simple pleasures of voting, thinking, disagreeing.

I must remember when my days are hard, my nights sleepless, and I think things could be worse, that the man(we can't forget the women that serve)that I loved once is not missing and has not been taken from me protecting me, my family as well as strangers freedoms.  So many widows both young and old, those are the people we need to embrace. Have your fun, but take a minute to say thank you to a serviceman, say "you sacrificed your life" up to the sky, say thank you to a veteran, as that is where the heros of our freedoms can be found.