Memorial Day

"Happy Memorial Day", that's a phrase most often heard over that three day weekend. People take that long weekend to barbecue, go to the beach, go to the first day most pools open, or go shopping because your favorite store is having a Memorial Day sale. It's a weekend a lot of fun and happy things are done.

But truth be told, Memorial Day isn't really a happy day, it's not really a sad day, but it isn't a day that should start with "happy". Memorial Day, is a day that was meant to reflect, appreciate, and honor our service men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedom, and help others gain their own freedom. It isn't a day to thank a "living" veteran, that's veterans day. We should always be thankful for our veterans, of course. Some have come home with severe injuries, visible and invisible, but Memorial Day isn't their day.

To really appreciate and understand the meaning Memorial Day, visit the many memorials in Washington DC dedicated to the wars our veterans have served in and lost their lives, visit a VA hospital, visit Arlington Cemetery or any other cemetery where veterans have been laid to rest. Leave a wreath or some flowers on a veterans grave, even if you never knew them. Say a prayer or have a moment of silence to thank them for giving all they had to give, their lives so you may have your life.

There is so much to be thankful for, even if you don't think so right now, you do have something in your life that is precious, every one does. And one thing we all have in common to be thankful for are the men and women who lost their lives in combat.

Now this entry is not saying you shouldn't spend your time barbecuing, going to opening day at your local pool, or go to those Memorial day sales. It's just simply saying to take some time out of your day to do something that honors our fallen.

So next year, take into consideration what Memorial Day really means, and do something that honors the ones who have laid down their lives.