It would be unfortunate for us to say nothing here as Memorial Day arrives this year.
But while I know I can’t say nothing, I also can’t think of anything I should say.

From wikipedia.org:

Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (in 2008 on May 26). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.

In this day and age it is near impossible to know someone who has not had their lives touched by war in some fashion or another, grand-parents, parents, aunts and uncles, peers, and even now our children have lived in wartime.  There’s a war continuing to this day and for the foreseeable future and beyond. 

People I went to school with in high school have gone on to join the armed forces as I did, and some have not come home after tours of duty, and I think- there but by the grace go I.  My unit did not suffer any casualties while we were deployed, though our sister unit did. 

As the day goes on, and the flags wave, and people barbecue in backyards to celebrate the 3 day weekend and the changing weather, the parades march by, and inevitably “Taps” will play at a nearby cemetery- take a moment to ponder the sacrifices made, for whatever the reason that they joined, whatever the reason that they fought, take that moment and be thankful.  Thankful that there are those who will serve and die for a country that often forgets, thankful for the life that you live and each breath taken so often for granted by us all.  Be thankful, and honor the memories of those who have gone before, and sorrowful of the thought of those who will go after.

My thoughts go out to all.

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