For most Americans, Memorial Days marks the beginning of the summer season - long, hot days filled with the beach, bathing suits, and barbecues followed by beautiful, starry nights. It is also finally socially acceptable to go out in public in all of the white clothes you had to resist wearing since last Labor Day.
However, we do have to remind ourselves that Memorial Day is about more than having a day off from school and work. My grandfather served in the US Navy, and thankfully he came home safely and lived a long, happy life. He married his high school sweetheart, and they had 4 children and 12 grandchildren (I'm #11). Below, you can see Grandpa Bill looking dashing in his Navy whites; it's no wonder my grandmother fell in love with him. Almost 70 years later, the original black and white photograph still hangs on her refrigerator.
I think of Memorial Day as a day I should forget all of my comparatively trivial problems and truly appreciate the sacrifice the military makes for all Americans. For some people Memorial Day comes every single day of the year, and we should remember the fallen heroes who never come home.
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| My grandmother and grandfather, married and in love for 60 years |
"Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure."
-President Abraham Lincoln
Happy Memorial Day!
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