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Memorial Day 2017 . . .


I am sitting here today, thinking of all the events going on around the area to help celebrate and remember those brave men and women who have fallen in the service of our country. Pancake breakfast for the Honor Flight Fund, Stars & Stripes Honor Walk at the Sparks Marina, and speeches all geared to thank those who have served bravely. Every year, our country comes together to comfort those families who have lost so much and still grieve for the loss of a loved one. I reflect, wondering if it's even enough? How many words can you say? How many plaques can you put up? How many memorials can you build, until it is enough? 

I am always torn on how I can do my part to honor these fallen heroes? I looked back at a few speeches made by our leaders over time. I'd like to share a few now.

"... if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them."  - Ronald Reagan

"While the nature of war has changed over that time, the values that drive our brave men and women in uniform remain constant: Honor, Courage, Selflessness." - Barack Obama

"We must tell their stories so that our children and grandchildren will understand what our lives might have been like had it not been for their sacrifice." - George H.W. Bush

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived." - George Patton

I listened to a story from my brother-in-law. It touched me deeply. He saw an old man, alone and walking slow. He noticed the hat he was wearing and saw that he was a Vet. Something inside my brother-in-law stirred and he ran over to the man, half startling him. Once he introduced himself, he shook the man's hand and thanked him for his service. The man explained how he was in both the Korean war and the Vietnam war. My brother-in-law saw the tears starting in the man's wrinkled eyes. At one point, he asked my brother-in-law if he served. My brother-in-law said he didn't. He further stated, because of your service, I didn't have to. The man teared up again. After a few more moments of conversation, the man continued on his way. Alone but honored. 

My heart is filled with sorrow and pride. It also has a thought that may seem strange. I feel that the dead have it easy. They are at peace surrounded by the greatest love one can know. It's the survivors who have it the worst. Memories burden them and the guilt of living weighs heavy on their hearts. So as much as this is a day of Memory, it's also a day to reach out to those who remember and let them know, "We'll Never Forget!! Together . . . . ."


Quotes sourced - Washington Examiner - Monday, May 29, 2017
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