Memorial day, the “official start” of summer and a typically happy day to get out meet friends and celebrate with a barbecue or a day at the beach. Of course everyone knows the real meaning of Memorial Day is a holiday set aside to remember the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the armed services.
I wonder though how many actually remember those brave men and women on Memorial Day or any other day. Lately all I have seen on the news is the crisis with ISIS, the unrest in the Middle East and so much more. All of these are areas that our American soldiers, who happen to be your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, moms, dad, aunt, uncles, friends or neighbors are fighting for our freedom and safety.
I hope that this Memorial Day each and everyone of us take the time to really think about these men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can be happy and secure in our homes, out enjoying the sunny weather and sharing a meal with family and friends.
Maybe this weekend we could do one or ore of the following:
1. Fly your flag and support the troops.
2. Go the the local Memorial Day parade or Memorial to the soldiers in your town and leave flowers to show your support.
3. If you see any soldiers while traveling, walk up and shake their hand and thank them for all their hard work and sacrifices.
4. Go to a site, like Anysoldier.com or Operationgratitude.com and pick a soldier to send a care package to.
5. Donate your time to Wounded Warrior Project.
6. If you know a family that has lost a loved one let them know that you care. Even though it may seem awkward or a painful everyone wants to know that their loved one is remembered and loved.
7. Listen to their stories.
8. Volunteer your time or goods to the USO. Most airports and military bases have USO facilities where soldiers and their families can “have their spirits lifted.”
9. Vist the VA.
10. There are a million ways to say thank you we all just have to make the effort to do it.
I know many do not support military intervention and I am not here to talk about that or to preach. I simply want to remember all of those men and women who are away from home and family and doing whatever it takes to keep us safe and sound. As the saying goes, “freedom isn’t free.” it costs time away from family, and friends, loss of limbs and life.
On that note, to all of my friends and family and those soldiers I do not personally know, who have served or are currently in the US military I thank you for your sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family.
Have a nice day!
Castles Crowns and Cottages says
I only have one family member who served, and I shall remember my dear and fabulous uncle, who flew over England during the Blitz. At his funeral in California, I was unable to attend, but I hear there was quite a salute to this great man of the community who served, always.
Dearest Elizabeth, HELLO! THANK YOU for coming to visit me! So much is going on. School is wildly busy that I can hardly keep my head on straight. I love those students! But there is a lot of activity that we all just need to keep straight. It's all good.
I am hoping to dig into some of my blog posts to get started with the formatting of my book. Meanwhile, I am practicing my photography (a must for my own publication) and I am now on Instagram. I AM HAVING A BLAST!
HOW ARE YOU? You are so kind to come to visit me!
Have a quiet, delightful and family-filled holiday my dear old friend! Anita
William Kendall says
In Canada we mark Remembrance Day in November- which probably makes more sense in terms of not looking at it as a holiday. Our kickoff to summer was a different holiday last weekend, Victoria Day.
Cynthia says
I completely agree. The men and women can never be forgotten. So many young people that work for my husband don't even know the meaning of the day. Sad, so very sad
Cindy
Unknown says
What lovely thoughts. My son came to Mass with us on Rememberance Day, last November, in his uniform. It was lovely to see people who had known him since his days as an altar server, coming up and shaking his hand. But even better where the new, younger families, who didn't know him, they also were delighted to see him there representing the armed forces.
Have a lovely weekend Elizabeth
Jude x
The enchanted home says
This is such a great post Elizabeth, thank you for this. I will be sure to share it with my readers on Sunday…..it is so important that we stop to give thanks to the incredibly brave and noble job these men and women do so that we have the liberties that we so enjoy. Thank you.