Memorial Day........Seeing a Fallen Soldier Home
I can't think of a more fitting post for Memorial Day than this article from the Washington Times. GETZ: Seeing a fallen soldier home It was published on May 28 just in time for this Memorial Day weekend.
As I read the post, I couldn't help but wonder how many have remembered this holiday weekend is about remembering those who have lost their lives in the service of our country. Over the years the celebration of the holiday eroded into remembering all of our lost loved ones. Not that that's a bad thing but don't those who give their lives for our freedoms deserve to be honored all on their own as this holiday was originally intended.
That erosion, however, was not enough. This holiday has succumbed to being more a celebration of the coming summer and the play season that about honoring anyone. It's an excuse to party and complain about the weather if it doesn't cooperate with one's plans.
It's too bad that many of us in this country have lost sight of the price so many families have paid for our freedoms. We can party and forget about our troubles for a while because of this great country we live in. We can also forget about war and it's cost because we rarely see those wages on our own soil.........thanks again to those who protect us.........and give their lives for us.
I, for one, believe the way to celebrate Memorial Day is in memory of those who have paid the ultimate price for my freedoms and for their families. This timely writing from Ms Getz exposes the selfishness of many Americans while paying touching tribute to the cost this family has given for us. I hope you'll take the time to read it and that this Memorial Day has been as memorable for you as it has for me.
Note:Thanks to the friend who forwarded me this link in an email. The fact this email reached me within only two days of the publishing of the article gives me hope there are some Americans out there who haven't forgotten the price our military pay for our freedoms.
Wow! Tears flowing here! What a weel done article , and your post as well. I am Canadian, and I join in your prayers and celebrations of your military and our own
ReplyDeletefernvaller, me too on the tears! Just thinking about it brings a lump to my throat. That poor family went through enough with having to beg for seats on an airplane.
ReplyDeleteAs for you being Canadian, I have pretty strong feelings about our Canadian neighbors as well. I don't think we'd be so solid in our strength without our great neighbors to the north. From what I can remember you have always been there for us in any fight for rights and justice. My hat is off to your military as well in commemoration of this day.
That is a really sad story. People are too selfish!
ReplyDeleteI have a very big appreciation and soft spot in my heart for those who serve our country. I also come from a big military family. I have family members lost during war and my grandfater (who is still alive at 91) was a POW in WWII and my father was a Marine in Vietnam.
ReplyDeleteI do celebrate the summer during Memorial weekend. As does my father and grandfather. It is so nice to have the liberty to do that, and not for a second do I or my family, take it for granted.
This was a very moving piece. We have both an Air Force and an Army base here in Anchorage so the military are a big part of our daily lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that some people are selfish and not willing to sacrifice to help a fellow human being. I'm specifically thinking of those who witness horrific crimes yet won't intervene. Then again, others are so compassionate that they take your breath away. I suppose that's human nature.
I take my hat off to the people who immediately stepped up and gave up their seats, I think it is a great shame that the poor family had to stand there and beg for the remaning seats needed.
ReplyDeleteYou never know until you are in that sort of situation but, I would like to think that I would be one of those who would give up my seat I'm a big softie, and I can't stand to see someone hurting. Because of what we have been through in the last 18mths, nearly loosing our son, I would like to think I would do all I could to try to ease some of their pain.
Karren from Australia
Thanks RR~ My grandfather fought on the front lines in France during WW1. He came home and never spoke of that war to anyone. After a massive stroke at age 90, his mind returned to the war and he relived his most horrible experience.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad caught the tail end of WW2 and served in the Navy as an aviator for 33 years. He loved this country and would have gladly given his own life.
Luckily I had both men until they were well up in age.
I rarely put flowers on their graves for christmas or birthdays. Memorial Day?! you bet!!!!