Memorial Day

Expected - I know.  Today is Memorial Day.  Today is the day that we should remember and honor those who have served our country in the armed services and gave their all for the freedoms we enjoy!

As I was growing up, my parents made sure that all 4 of their children understood that the freedom we have as citizens of the United States was bought at a great price.  We were taught to stand and salute the flag anytime it passed in a parade, or when we sang The Star Spangled Banner - our National Anthem, or when we said the Pledge of Allegiance!  Nothing less was acceptable.  My dad served in the U.S. Navy, although it was not during a war time.  They made sure we knew that men and women had died for us to have the rights and privileges given to us.  It was not through anything we, ourselves, had done.  Someone else bought that freedom for us.

Hollywood has produced movies for a very long time about the different wars fought by American soldiers.  They have certainly tried to glamorize war at times, but then others have tried to convey the horrors!  The former attempts to give a glimpse of the heroic efforts of those who served, the latter attempts to give a glimpse of the madness.  Neither are able to truly convey what the soldiers that come home bear in their hearts and minds. 

There are very few WWII veterans still alive today; more from the Korean conflict, Vietnam war, Desert Storm, Iragi Freedom and the war on terror.  The men and women who served and serve today, deserve our respect and honor!  Even more - we owe them our Thanks!  Even those who speak out against the wars, or do not believe in the efforts, owe our armed forces their gratitude and respect!  Those men and women are fighting, many have died to give Americans the right to speak out against the war, burn a flag, or protest in some other form! 

If you have a family member who serves or has died in service to our country - Thank you for the sacrifice from your family to protect my freedom!  If you are a member of the military for our country - know that there is one citizen who loves you, admires you, is grateful for your service, and prays for you as you serve!