Remembering Memorial Day

It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a blog post up and while I’ve been running around like crazy, transitioning into a new full time job, and trying like hell to get some chapters cranked out on a new piece –one must… should stop every once in a while, especially on Memorial Day, to give thanks.

Being a veteran myself, there’s no doubt in my mind just what Memorial Day stands for, but when you look around at today’s generation, some must wonder if the reason for such a holiday has been lost.  I’ve heard children and teenagers ask more than once in the last few days just what the meaning of the holiday is and while it can go by different names – Decoration Day, BBQ day, Civil War Day, No School Day, Memorial Day – it is a day that shouldn’t be lost to the youth of today’s population.  It’s an important day to each and every citizen of the United States.

Hearing all these questions had got me curious and I approached my own seven year old son.  My son
knows both my husband and I have served, but only of the entire experience and not of the harsher times (deployed to the Middle East, standing port arms in Washington D.C. on 9/11 as a plane hit the Pentagon). It is, as my father said to me (who served as well), I don’t want to discuss certain things with him until he is either old enough to understand or who has been through the experience himself.  
 
My son gave an A+ answer in my book and one that makes me want to thank his teacher for “teaching” today’s children of exactly what Memorial Day is. It is such a simple answer as well.  “To celebrate, thank, and remember those who served in war.”  While Memorial Day isn’t just for those who served in war; to have my seven year old understand the basis made me want to thank him, thank his teacher – and all, when I’m the veteran. 

So while I will take a few minutes tomorrow and give remembrance, while I’ll take a few moments of silence, a prayer to those who are still missing or in harm’s way – it will only be a few moments when the
sacrifice is so much greater.  When one tiny signature on a line guarantees that someone will fight for my rights – and for my freedom.  

Join me and give thoughts to all who have lost and thanks to all who have served.

"Happy" Memorial Day. 

DC

The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children. – William Havard