Awakenings: Honoring Memorial Day!

'Happy' routinely appears preceding the words Memorial Day. There is absolutely no way around it. BUT...is that the proper precedent to Memorial Day? We are happy to live in America. We happily enjoy all the freedoms America has to offer. Joyous are we getting prepared for time with family and friends: walking the beach, swimming, picnicking, bar-be-queuing, etc. In the midst of all the food, fun, fellowship associated with Memorial Day, let's not forget who are the true honorees!

The happiness associated with Memorial Day has come at an immense sacrifice. Tomorrow is Memorial Day but first, it is important to understand Memorial Day vs. Veterans' Day.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty. A complete history of Veterans Day, and why it is observed on November 11, can be found on the Veterans Day History Web page.

If you proudly fly the American flag at your home, be sure it is flown half mast tomorrow from sunrise 'til midday. If you have a family member or loved one who died as a result of serving our country, place a flag at the grave site. Wherever you go, whatever you do on Memorial Day, proudly carry and/or wave the American flag remembering those that are no longer with us, that is, among the land of the living—their spirit will always be with us in our hearts!

While this may be a time for beach blasts, bar-be-que cookouts, hot dogs with all the trimmings, hamburgers and fries, and scrumptious apple pie, it is more importantly a time of remembering. . .

The Fallen Soldiers