On Memorial Day, I do not think about the BBQs or the ball games that are being played. I think about how we got to have such liberties. I speak of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the US military. Although it was not an official holiday till 1971, the roots to this holiday go back 100 years earlier. And while some people do visit cemeteries or attend parades, some see it as the beginning of summer and a chance for picnics and getting outdoors.
I served for 13 years...Army officer...Artillery. I didn't hesitate when I signed up. I felt it was my patriotic obligation to serve my country. I learned a lot while I was in the service and met a lot of great people along the way. People I would gladly call my brothers and sisters. While my role was not the biggest in the show, my role was no different than those of my brothers and sisters. We stood to defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
I often think about what would of happened to this country had it not been for our military veterans. What kind of a country would we be living in today? What basic liberties would we deprived of? I shudder to think at the possibilities in history that could of occurred had the fight not gone our way. Would we still be the "land of the free and home of the brave?
So as you enjoy your holiday weekend, please take a moment to remember the men and woman of the US military and the sacrifices that were made to give you this freedom. If you see or know a veteran, please shake their hand or give them a hug and tell them "Thank You."
http://www.history.com/topics/memorial-day-history
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