On Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day. This is, to me, a very solemn day. I realize that to many, today is the day for cookouts and is the official start of summer. I know in many areas of America people are opening their pools and gathering with family and friends on the decks and around the grill. I think this is wonderful. And indeed, this afternoon, I too will be grilling up some hamburgers and sausage dogs. But that’s only after I remember what today is about.
You see, today is the day for remembering true heroes. No, not the heroes that are called heroes today that run for public office and run around claiming they’re heroes. No, not the ones that advance their political agenda in the face of “attacks” from political opponents. And no, not the ones that use their physical abilities to score points in sporting contests. And not the ones who overcome ravaging diseases that happen to invade their body. Today is about true heroes.
Today is about men who have grown up or come to this country and decided they wanted it to continue. Today is about people who see freedom and say to themselves, “I want this freedom to continue, and I’m willing to die to ensure that others can have their cookouts and burgers.” And today is really about those who followed through and actually gave their lives in defense of the concept of America (not matter what state she might be in today).
Today is NOT about those who are still alive. I’m sorry, it just isn’t. And it really bothers me a lot to see and hear all the tribute to “my son, who’s somewhere in Afghanistan.” Look, people, there’s a day for those alive — it’s called “Veteran’s Day.” Today is about remembering the dead and why they died.
The people who join the military and give their lives for others are a different breed. Just to join the military, unless you’re part of a political stunt (too popular today, if you ask me), you’re considering dying for the idea of America. These people aren’t dying for the president — I know many who suffered to serve under President Clinton. They didn’t like that president, but they didn’t quit — they were serving a greater power and concept. The idea of America is large — and it’s really what keeps this country going today.
The idea of having a place where you can be free is a powerful idea. A country that people come to from all over the world because they want a taste of this freedom. The idea of America is a place where you can be free to own property. The concept of America is a place where you are free to worship God without government restrictions. The idea of America is a place where hard work pays off and you can work hard to earn a living. And there are a large number of people who have died to keep those freedoms.
Today, my flag flies at half-staff, as America flags do around the country. The nation is in mourning, mourning the loss of so many lives in defense of freedom. But make no mistake, these people died because so many other individuals, countries, and religions want to destroy America and all she stands for. Over the two-plus centuries of its existence, many have tried to destroy America from outside. None have succeeded, mainly in part due to the efforts of such men who have been willing to defend her and the idea of freedom.
However, at noon today, the flags will rise up the flagpoles. I will proudly hoist my flag high to signify while we mourn the loss of so many people, America has been victorious. No matter the external enemy, America has won, and freedom has won.
Today is a day to not only remember those who have died, but to remember why they died and to remember what America was, and should be again. Happy Memorial Day, America.
Other posts I’ve found on Memorial Day:
Big Dog, Kat, Cao, Angel, Tammi, William Teach, William Teach 2, Maggie, Duncan, Carl, Mustang, Major Pain, Thinking Meat, Wild Thing, VW Bug
Feel free to add a link to your post in the comments.
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