Memorial Day

As every year, I fought back tears as veterans go by in the Memorial Day parade. I think of "yesterday" and today - the World Wars, the Korean War, The Vietnam War, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan.

I cried as I saw the old men, some of them looking at us, obviously honored that we were there for them. Some of the middle aged men had tears in their eyes. I imagined how some of them probably came home from Vietnam, only to be received with hatred, snubbed, and disrespected. I felt sadness as I saw the young people, teenagers, enrolled in programs that are preparing them to one day serve our country. I couldn't help but think how young they are to make such a decision. They aren't old enough to drink, or get married, but they can decide to die for their country - our country.


I imagined my child, grown, maybe being called to serve his country. It scared me. To think of my little one being older, making such a huge decision. It saddened me to think of my son having to go to another country, of maybe being one of those parents who gets that knock on the door.

I cried for the lives lost, the sadness, the pain. I am so proud to be part of a country who, whether we believe in "the cause" being fought for or not, stand for what it believes is right. That we have so many who are willing to fight for, and die for our country if need be.

Because of the sacrifice of those, I am grateful that I can go to bed at night, not in fear, but to restful sleep. There are many who cannot. I am free to believe as I wish, free to voice my opinion, free to dress as I wish, and free to vote, among so many other things.

We owe so much to those who are appreciated so little.

To all the soldiers, their wives, parents, grandparents, children, siblings, and friends, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your sacrifice.

May we never forget, these brave men and women stand for more then just a cause we may or may not believe in. They are human beings, giving their lives. May we honor them, and may we raise our children to honor them - to never forget.