I questioned whether or not I was going to write a post about Memorial Day. I thought about posting a nice poem, so I typed in "Memorial Day poems" into Google (I Google everything). After reading 20 different poems and coming across many pictures like this one above, my heart felt very heavy.
It may be hard for you to believe, but even I, a military wife, have taken this day for granted. Memorial Day rolls around and I think to myself....Hooray! Eric gets the day off! What plans can we make, who can we see?, what should I make to eat? Harmless thoughts of course, except that's all I think about.....forgetting the reason behind this special day. I drive down the road and see people opening their pools, grills out for BBQ, people in patriotic clothing. Is it me or does this have the same appearance of the 4th of July? Maybe it looks that way on the outside, but Memorial Day takes on a completely different meaning. It is not a day of celebration like Independence Day, it is a day of respect and honor for all of our military men and women who's lives were sacrificed for our freedoms. This also includes their families who they left behind. Let's not let their deaths be in vain, but be thankful for the freedoms we have that they so bravely fought to protect. We owe our lives to them. Let's not take that for granted, but remember them in honor and respect.
Thank you to all of our service members out there who are living sacrifices. Thank you to all their families who are the support team behind them. Thank you for protecting my freedoms so I can have the life I choose to live. Thank you for fighting for my life, even though I am a stranger to you. Thank you for choosing what you know is right, even knowing that the possible end result is death. I have the utmost respect and admiration and gratitude for you all.
great post.. i teared up a little, you are so right we forget what this day is for & just see a 4 day weekend.. its really sad
ReplyDeleteYes, I too have taken it for granted... just as another "day off". Thank you, men women, for your self-sacrificing service to our country!
ReplyDeleteLaina, this was so beautifully written. I agree. I have also fallen into that mental web of celebrating as another holiday without acknowledging its true meaning. Thanks for reminding me and thank you for doing it in such a sweet and sincere and emotional manner. I love you. And I have such respect and love for your wonderful husband who is my own hero.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really great post. My dad is an army vet who served in Vietnam long before I was a twinkle in his eye. I am very thankful that he made it through his tour of duty... if he didn't, I wouldn't be here! I think of that every year on Memorial Day and on Veteran's Day - to most people it's just a holiday weekend - to others, it's a time to be thankful & remember.
ReplyDeleteI found your blog on MBC and am following you now... hope you check out my site too :)
Stopping from Mom Loop! I echo your thoughts. It is easy to forget why we have today off.
ReplyDeleteHi Laina, you are so very right it is all too easy to forget what this weekend and this day in particular is really all about. I am glad you decided to write a post, as your words are a wonderful reminder of what today really means and why it is so important to remember that.
ReplyDelete"What a lovely post. Thank you to your husband for serving and thank you to you as a military spouse because we both know you do your part to serve as well! Take care :)"
ReplyDeleteThanks! And thank you so much we appreciate it! :) Thank YOU and YOUR husband as well. We know it can be rough at times, but God is still good! :) Lovely post by the way as well!
That is so well spoken and truly from the heart. I loved reading it because it is exactly how we should all feel about the men and women who fight for all of us! Thanks for this amazing tribute to them.
ReplyDeleteLovely post...and be sure to thank your husband for his service to our country!!
ReplyDeleteLesa
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