Memorial Day

I have been contemplating what to write for the past week or so. I have made some observations concerning Memorial Day weekend. One: Family time is important and we should make the time to get together whether it's a barbeque or dinner or just breakfast. What we need to remember is to set the tone and the conversation to what the holiday really means to each of us. Memorial Day for me is a time to reflect on those who have gone on before me and the legacy I want to leave for my children and grandchildren. I have stated in previous posts that I am from a multi-generational family of servicemen. My son completed the full circle when he joined the United States Marine Corps. All branches of the service are accounted for with his enlistment. I am thankful to have such a rich heritage. It has given me the opportunity to teach others what it means to serve and protect. The returning servicemen and women coming home from World War I and II were given parades when they returned. It was the same with Korea, but those returning from Vietnam were reviled and cursed. They fought for the freedom of others and were shunned for it. Some were drafted and some joined for "God and Country." We as an American people have helped numerous countries obtain their freedom from oppression and tyranny. What I have learned from the Police Action in Vietnam is this: returning soldiers are helping "their own" return to their lives and families when they return from The War on Terrorism. Veterans are the ones who are there to talk, encourage, and sometimes "bully" those warriors who return to us battered and broken. I have found that there are organizations of these men and women; some ride motorcycles and have a not so nice reputation. Personally I have met several of these groups and found them to be extremely generous with their time and money. They are the ones that drive in groups past my home with teddy bears and other stuffed animals on a day trip to "ride for a cause." They wear their insignia from the war and they have the American flag on the back of their bikes. They consider themselves a social club and do what others have no courage to do. The popular TV series NCIS has Gibbs saying to a fellow Marine something similar to this statement, "Courage is running towards the fight, not away from it. It doesn't matter what anyone else does. It's what you do." The local cemetery has many heroes interred there. One is our hero. He joined the Navy and received the best education he could. He enlisted in the regular Navy; received an ROTC scholarship; and was given an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant. He didn't fight in a war; he didn't lead a group of sailors; he quietly did his job at Naval Reactors. He wrote manuals, fielded calls from people with much higher ranks and clearance than he had. He gave what he could to better serve his country. We are a better family and nation for having had him with us. Next time a child asks why we have Memorial Day, remind yourself and other of the men and women who have died serving their country; those who are buried at home and abroad; this is the legacy our fore fathers have given to us.