It was originally known as “Decoration Day”…a day when people honored those who had died in service to the country, by decorating their gravesites.
For some of us, it is a day when we see the faces of those we carried to a med-evac chopper; knowing full well that if they weren’t already dead, they probably would be by the time the chopper landed back at the evac.
It’s a day of honoring a buddy, friend, son, daughter, brother, sister, mother, father, uncle, aunt…both they and you having had no idea they wouldn’t be able to finish the life, God gave them.
It’s a day of remembering smiles, smart-ass attitudes – all the things that pissed you off about them – more important; all the things that put that smile on your face.
For some of us…they are the Brothers and Sisters we never met or knew. No color line, no political or religious affiliation; none of that separates us from them. Hell, some of them left this life long before we were ever born. Doesn’t make any difference – they are family.
On Monday, I will lift a glass and say, “Thank you. You are not forgotten. You are my Brother. You are my Sister. Indeed, Rest In Peace." Then offer a Hand Salute…and prayers for your families. Because they are my family as well.
"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."
George Washington
Thanks for reading my blog.
Loren
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