This is a weekend for blow out sales at the mall. For picnics. For grilling out, going to the beach, and sleeping in.
It hurts my heart to think that for most of America, that's all it is.
I was raised in a patriotic family. I'm a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ancestors, Grandparents, and my oldest brother have all served in the armed forces. I have friends currently serving in every branch of our military. I've dated guys in two branches. I even considered serving myself. I think that makes holidays like Memorial Day seem more relevant to me than to some of my friends.
But I wish that everyone, not only those with personal connections to the military, stopped and really thought about the sacrifices being made for us every day: the absolute willingness of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen to devote everything they have for a country that ignores them.
I regularly consider whether I can afford to adopt a soldier and send care packages. Right now it isn't something I can budget in, but I plan to start when I have a regular salary a year from now. After watching the PBS Memorial Day special tonight I looked again at the adopt-a-soldier sites. There are comments and emails from adopted soldiers, espousing thanks for silly string, razors, and slim jims. These are literally things that cost almost nothing, but mean everything half a world away. One comment particularly struck me hard. It was only one line, from a Lance Corporal:
“No requests, just don't want to be forgotten.”
He didn't even want particular items. Didn't ask for a dvd, or cookies, or new socks. Just wanted an occasional letter to remind him why he's fighting in another country.
I genuinely hope you all enjoy your day off. Please eat watermelon, drink lemonade, sit by the pool, hit the sale at Macys, and have an afternoon nap. But please also consider why you have the day off from work. Remember everyone who made the life you lead possible, and take a minute to pray for those who protect your life now. Freedom isn't free.
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lainn...
7 years ago
Posts
3 pink picket thought(s):
Amen,
I totally agree with you. We do take so much for granted, the fact that the freedom we enjoy is ours at such a very high price.
Thoughts are definitely with those serving, protecting and giving everything to let us live in a free country.
Today, they had a Tolling of the Bells ceremony at the local naval museum and it was all much, much older vets and then us. I was surprised that more people in a naval town didn't show up to show their support for those who have gone before.
You're fabulous. I love you and you've inspired me to look at adopt-a-soldier websites since I won't be able to send packages to my sailor...I could at least send some to someone else.
We watched the special with your grandfather on Monday when they replayed it. He commented during the WWII segment that he didn't think he would make it home from the war. That's the first time that he ever indicated fear, but you know it must have been awful.
Mom
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