Memorial Day

We are approaching Memorial Day weekend.  Many think of this as a three day holiday celebration; the beginning of the summer season. Many will take trips, have cookouts, picnics and outings to lakes and parks.  The boisterous voices of those enjoying a three day weekend will be heard everywhere.  Many will give greetings of "Happy Memorial  Day" BUT what is there to be happy about?  Memorial Day is not a day of celebration BUT a day of REMEMBRANCE.  Remembering and paying honor and tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice; those brave heroes who gave their all for our nation during times of war and conflict.  Veterans organizations will hold services and place flags on graves of veterans.   They will ask everyone to have a moment or two of silence to remember those who gave their all. 

There will be twenty-one gun volleys and a bugler will sound "Taps" that will echo far and wide.  

Many confuse Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and Armed Forces Day. It is Armed Forces Day we pay tribute to the men and women CURRENTLY serving in the military. Veteran's Day is the day we thank those and honor the men and women WHO served in the military. Memorial Day we REMEMBER those who perished upon the field of battle; the ones who did not know how their day would end. 

With Memorial Day approaching, it is important to for everyone to take a moment and reflect on what the day means.  It's not about a day off work, a three day holiday weekend, the Indy Race or picnics, cookouts and outings; the day is about honoring the memory of those who served with pride, died upon the battle field for our country SO that we can enjoy the freedom we have today. 

If possible attend an event in your community sponsored by a veterans organization.  Purchase a Poppy from the local American Legion Post and wear it proudly. 

They gave their all for us; honor them with a moment of silence.