Most often, my posts here are simply off the cuff with an attempt at off the wall humor. This is not one of those posts.
Memorial Day.
This is the first Memorial Day without my Dad. The first without my Pop Pop. They are both heroes to me. I miss you both. More than you'll ever know.
My Dad retired Lt. Colonel US Army. He was a true man. When I was an infant in the early 60's, he was on a plane headed to Cuba to proudly do his
duty. Luckily in flight the orders came to abort mission and return home. I saw my Dad little as a child, but I was lucky enough to have a Father that
I got to know. He instilled in me the military mentality. As a child I was always riding on a tank or APC in the patriotic parades. I had my own
little uniform when we would visit the PX. I try to follow in his footsteps. I'll never be the man he was.
Memorial Day.
Many don't understand what Memorial Day means. Many see it as a 3 day weekend. Many see it as the kickoff to the Summer.
Memorial Day.
How might I find words strong enough to say what it is that I am feeling? Why am I able to call my Commander In Chief an idiot and not have to worry
about inprisonment?
Why can I climb on a train, or a plane and go wherever I want anytime I want with my biggest gripe being that I have to take my shoes off when I go
through security?
Why can my child dream to be anything he wants to be when he grows up, and have a chance of achieving his goals?
Why can I go to a supermarket anytime I want and purchase the staples my family needs to survive?
Why Can I not worry about the authorities bothering me unless I deserve it, yet can call them with 3 button clicks on a phone and have them protect me
in minutes?
Why can I sit here on ATS and complain about how bad everything is?
The answer is simple.
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Brave men and women left their families, their homes, everything they've ever known to defend our country in a foreign land. Often times these brave
heroes still had memories of their High School homerooms from last year, and acne that was still on their faces. Many longing to see their Mom and Dad
back home. Many too young to be served a beer.
They stood proud. They fought. They fell. Defending YOU, and ME.
This weekend, when you are having your BBQ's and partying with your families and friends, take a moment, and recognize why you have the absolute
privelidge of enjoying it. When you see the beautiful Stars and Stripes flying, recognize her for the unbelievable FREEDOM we do enjoy. And we do
enjoy freedom. Remember why we have our rights, and our freedoms.
I stand proudly and salute, a tear in my eye, as I honor everyone who gave me the rights I take for granted.
Thank you all. Thank you all.
