Happy(?) Memorial Day
It’s always a strange thing for me to say “Happy Memorial Day” as it honors those who have died in service to this country. What should make this a “happy” day? It’s kinda like saying “Happy Good Friday” (the day Jesus was killed). “Strange” is probably the wrong word. Perhaps it’s with “mixed feelings” that I say such things.
There is indeed cause to be happy and I think many of the men and women who died would have insisted that we celebrate their memories as we bask in the freedom they helped provide by their blood, fear, anguish and ultimate death.
I think their sacrifice also demands that we remain vigilant to protect the freedoms (directly in the name of liberty) they died for. I say this almost every year but it remains my most appreciated anecdote from a survivor who’s life was saved by another man who died to save him: “He gave up all of his tomorrows so that I could live that day”. Let’s not forget or take for granted that we have “tomorrows” because of the sacrifices made by these brave men and women, all of whom had hopes, dreams, families, love and crushes and otherwise long lives in front of them. They deserve to have us cherish what we have and for us to fight hard to preserve the liberty for which they died.
Matt Reimer and 
Mo are discussing.
Mo 8:32 pm on May 25, 2009 Permalink
I also feel weird about saying Happy Memorial Day. But we should be happy that we have men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line so that we can live in our great nation. All you have to do is look around at the chaos in much of the world to realize that our freedom is a precious thing — and all you have to do is look at the rows and rows of crosses at military cemeteries to see that the price for that freedom is great. It is so amazing to me that the war in Afghanistan has been going on for 8 years and still women and men are lining up to serve our country. They know that there is a chance they may not come home, but they still do it. That blows my mind. While I may not agree with all of the conflicts we become involved in, I have nothing but the greatest respect and appreciation for the folks who serve to protect our country.
Matt Reimer 10:00 pm on May 25, 2009 Permalink
Ditto. I was thinking the same thing today after saying that to you in email.