05/25/2024
Ok, I got to say it. As a veteran, a son and grandson of veterans, a father of veterans, a father-in-law of a veteran, and a friend to many veterans, I understand what Memorial Day is. It is NOT Veterans Day, so do not thank a veteran. We served, but we did NOT give the final sacrifice.
I know we have turned Memorial Day into a party, a sales weekend, a chance to get the big deal, or throw that totally cool three-day weekend party. To live it up and laugh it up till we bust. And if that's what your weekend looks like, that is your choice. Enjoy family and friends. BUT!!! DO NOT forget what Memorial Day is all about. You are doing these things because of Memorial Day, the day of remembrance for ALL THOSE WHO DIED, who gave everything. Not so that you would forget them and throw a bigger block party or have a bigger BBQ, but so that we can live free and have the choices we have to do as we wish: to love, to laugh, to party, to have, to give, to share.
This country is free because of those who sacrificed everything for us, those they did not know us, those who knew not them. So enjoy your time, but remember why you have it. Do NOT thank a veteran, but go place flowers or a flag on the grave of a real hero instead.
