Memorial Day - Hoorah!

This is one of those celebrated days many see for the wrong reasons. Of course it has been commercialized and recently as I have seen patriotism being seen as a bad thing, this day should be looked as the day normal individuals freely choose to sacrifice themselves and families for what our nation is. Many people never will fully understand what this is as so many never sacrifice or bother to make a difference. But to those very few that sacrifice by leaving their families and some pay the ultimate sacrifice in death to serve. For whatever reason we serve our nation deep down we do it for honor and courage. These deep beliefs should never be lost and need to be passed down. Patriotism should never be discouraged and I feel those that do should move to the side and thank those whom sacrifice so they can take advantage of what this nation is.

Going on "walks" in the extreme weather, in full uniform with the feeling in the back of your head of danger. Turning on the engine of that truck getting ready to go out on a convoy and not knowing how your day may end. Working in a make-shift hospital receiving wounded friends and doing the best you can so they can make it home to their families. Being an officer and having to sit down and make real decisions that affect life. No, these individuals are not going out for a run around town in their fancy gear, going on a safe commute to work or making decisions on where to move that display at a store. These individuals give up privacy and so many comforts to serve. This creates a family of men and women that so many will never understand. I can say, as late as I joined I am very proud to share that misery with these men and women. Every day I think of those serving and friends from my unit down range serving and sacrificing and doing the job to bring home safe everyone downrange.