Memorial Day, a day to remember. A day to remember our veteran’s who have passed away.
I think like most American’s these days my family and I usually go to a local Church’s Memorial Day parade. We join in this parade walking down a small country road. We listen to that Church’s Pastor talk about our veteran’s who have since passed away and the true hero’s they were. We stand as the horn is blown and say the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag and then we stand in a moment of silence. When all is said and done we gather with some friends and family for a bit and then head home.
This isn’t the only thing that I do on Memorial Day though. I also remember my uncle who was a veteran and who also passed away. I remember him with loving fond memories. No, I don’t drive to New Jersey where he lived to visit his grave. But I’m sure my aunt, his wife does on that day.
Then I saw something on facebook that my sister-in-law shared. Which happened to actually be something our sister-in-laws, brother shared who happens to be a former marine. And I have to say it got me thinking.
This is what was shared:
“Here’s some ground rules for next weekend:
1. Don’t wish me a Happy Memorial day. There is nothing happy about brave men and women dying.
2. It’s not a holiday. It’s a remembrance.
3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local VA, not freaking Disneyland.
4. Don’t tell me how great any one political power is. Tell me about Chesty Puller, George Patton, John Basilone, Dakota Meyer, Kyle Carpenter, Mitchell Paige, Ira Hayes, Chris Kyle and any other heroes too numerous to name. Attend a Bell Ceremony and shed some tears.
5. Say a prayer… and then another.
6. Remember the Fallen for all the Good they did while they were here.
7. Reach out and let a Vet know you’re there, we’re losing too many in “peace”.” took this from Matt McMahon with minor editing.
All of the above got me thinking. I get not wishing someone a Happy Memorial day. I don’t personally recall ever saying that to anyone. And it’s true that Memorial Day is not a holiday. It’s a day we are suppose to be remembering the brave men and women who died for this Country and the freedom we have.
I do have a tendency when I see a veteran to thank them for their services to our Country, in the store or a restaurant. This may not be much of a gesture, but I do want them to know I’m thankful.
I do think it’s ok to have family BBQ’s though. I think that is a good time for families to get together and remember their loved ones who died during a war or from sickness. It’s a time to laugh and cry together and remember the good times they had with their veteran’s.
Last but not least, praying for the families of our veterans is something that I can definitely do. Do I remember to pray for them? Probably not as often as I should. That I can change though. I can purpose in my heart to pray for them weekly or daily.