Getting Memorial Day

I’ve never been in the military. I simply would not have been a good “fit.” None of my close family have been in the military. The closest is a cousin who was in the Navy reserve for a short time. Oh, and there’s the brother-in-law who somehow got himself thrown out during basic.

But I’ve had many, many friends and acquaintances who have served. And I can tell that I’ve missed something terribly important.

And then, of course, there are all those folks who chose – or were forced – to serve and gave the ultimate sacrifice. They fell so that we can run and play. They gave all so that we can watch TV and cruise the internet. They died so that we can be all that we can be, or not.

So as I go about my usual reading (I don’t watch TV), I see lots of stories about Memorial Day Weekend being the start of “grilling season” and “beach season” and the beginning of summer. There are a bunch of stories about the Indy 500.

I have no problem with any of these things. I think they’re all great, if you’re into them. In fact, hanging out with friends and grilling and going to the beach and going to a car race sound pretty fantastic.

But Memorial Day is about none of these things. Thanks to those we honor on Memorial Day, we have all of these things. We need to keep this clear.

Memorial Day a Federal holiday honoring members of the United States Armed Forces who have died serving their country.  Let me correct that: These people died serving our country.

So during this lovely long weekend of fun and games, let’s take some time and reflect on those heroes who made it possible. And be very, very thankful to them.