A day for the Fallen

It was 9 years ago I stood on the outside of a white bus, my hand reaching up through the window, clutching the hand of a young Marine who was about to go to war. I remember praying "Oh Lord, let this moment not be the last time I touch this warm hand"  And as the bus drove away, and our hands were forced to separate I stood in silence, being hurled with fear into the unknown.

And he did return. Those same white buses brought home the love of my life along with a load of combat war veterans who are worthy of daily gratitude for their sacrifice and service.  And once a year, we take a day to make sure those Veterans get their day of thanks.

But today is not Veterans day.  


Today is Memorial Day.  It is a day to thank and honor the memory of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.  It is a day to remember the men and women who did not return on a bus, but in a box... or worse, not at all.  Whose folded flag, that once draped their coffin, now sits in a house, surrounded by only photos and memories.  It is a day to remember and support the countless wives, husbands and parents who have opened the door to uniformed men, and to their worst nightmare.  It  is a time to be reminded that the red on our great flag, represents the blood that our warriors have shed to fight for this country and keep it free.  And they have succeeded.  We are free. 

So although it is nice {and well-intentioned} to thank a Veteran, please remember to thank them for the legacy they have continued on behalf of their fallen brothers and sisters.  And while you're in the midst of getting ready for that BBQ or simply enjoying this day off, I urge you to take an hour --just an hour -- to  visit a cemetery.  If it's in the morning, try to catch the Memorial Day service they'll have -- it's normally around 10 or 11.  Or just walk around the flag studded grounds.  Look at the names on those stones, figure out their age, remember their sacrifice, and those who now are left to carry that burden daily.  If you see a weeping widow or a Gold Star parent, be bold and give them a hug.  Give your gratitude for their loved ones' bravery and heroism.  Tell them that it mattered. 

Because it does matter and their sacrifice was worth it.  Today, let's remember that.