Memorial Day is often called and thought of as the unofficial start to summer. However, Memorial Day is not about barbecues and lounging by the pool, it is about honoring the sacrifices brave men and women have made in the name of freedom.
As a veteran myself I always appreciate the messages and thanks on Veteran’s Day; however, Memorial Day has a special reverence. These are the brave soldiers who never returned home to hug their family. These fine citizens we honor and remember today are the elite, the best of the best. They paid the ultimate price to ensure you and I had the freedoms we so enjoy.
I have long enjoyed this poem and feel it sums up what a veteran is and what they do for each of us:
“It is the veteran,
Not the preacher,
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the veteran,
Not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the veteran,
Not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the veteran,
Not the campus organizer,
Who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the veteran,
Not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the veteran,
Not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the veteran,
Who Salutes the Flag,
It is the veteran,
Who serves Under the Flag.”
I do hope you will take a moment to remember and honor those who have so selflessly given their lives for us, not only this Memorial Day weekend, but every day.