MEMORIAL DAY

All across the country Americans were celebrating Memorial Day with backyard barbecues, camp outs, picnics and parties.  Stores and businesses all took advantage of the long holiday with sales and specials to lure in prospective customers.  Sadly it seemed to me that the whole purpose of the holiday had been obscured by commercialization.

I had the day off.  We could have gone to the lake, or up to the mountains.  Instead we went to Memorial Park to pay our respects to the country's fallen service men and women.   In the past I paid homage to an Uncle who died in Korea long before I was ever born.  I would also say a silent prayer for all of the other fallen Americans.  But this year it was different.  This year I knew the names of some of the more recent patriots for whom this day of remembrance is for.  This year it was personal.  This year I paid my respects to 3 of Gabe's buddies, as well as the son of an online friend.

I found comfort and pride in the sight of my children walking through the various memorials in the park, reading the markers with sincere interest and understanding. They were not the only youngsters there.  There were young and old alike, strolling slowly and quietly from statue to statue.  It was easy to spot the Veterans, for they wore their patches and scars with dignity.  It was easy to spot the family members for they did not hold back their tears.  It was easy to spot the Americans, for they were everywhere and they wore their patriotism with pride.  And I was proven wrong.  For all fuss about the long weekend full of fun in the sun, Americans still remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

From one grateful patriot, to the men and women of the Armed Forces, past and present, I thank you, with all my heart.