Happy Memorial Day.
That salutation seems an odd greeting. After all, Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor those military personnel who died in wars. It should be a somber day. Perhaps even a day of prayer and solitude.
Instead, it is first and foremost, in the general public’s mind, a day off from work.
Second, we Americans would call it a good day to barbecue, watch some car racing and generally relax.
It marks the unofficial beginning of summer vacation, and many families will be on the road today.
Whatever the last Monday in May finds you doing, take at least a few minutes to remember those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States of America. Remember the widows, the widowers, the orphaned children, the servicemen and servicewomen in state and federal armed forces retirement homes. Perhaps you might even have time to visit a veteran who would otherwise be alone on Memorial Day. Could you even invite him to your home for a meal?
What great blessings we enjoy in our great country.
What a great cost was paid to make it so.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
I find it very difficult to enjoy this day. My brother Bill was killed in Vietnam in 1965 long before the war and the war movement were daily topics of news and conversation. I dedicated my 32 years in Naval service to him…I only wish he was here to enjoy our grandson and of course our “4th child” (Pound Puppy – Lab Retriever mix) Marley…Bill would have loved both of them.
Thank you, Mr. S. So many owe such a huge debt to those who gave all. I’m so sorry for the loss of your brother. It is clear that your hurt is still strong after all these years. Indeed, Bill would have loved Marley. Then, again, who could NOT love Marley? He’s such a sweet boy.