Sacrifice. It's not an easy word to live up to. It means to
give up something important to oneself for the greater good. And, at the heart of
human nature, no one wants to give up that which they enjoy or consider
important.
For those here, now, today, I want to thank you; especially
if you know a person or have a loved one who has served in the Armed Forces and
that person has given their life for their country. Their sacrifice has ensured
the freedoms you enjoy. Do them proud and live your life to the fullest with
honesty and integrity.
It takes a certain "mindset" to be in the
military. Not only does one need physical strength and stamina, but mental
toughness is required as well.
It's not an easy job. If you have an opportunity, visit a memorial and lay some
flowers or a flag on your loved one's resting place. You'd be surprised by the comfort
given to your soul by such a simple gesture.
And comfort was what those loved ones after the civil war
were searching for. The citizens of Waterloo, NY in 1866 are given credit for
beginning the tradition that led to Memorial Day. Wanting to honor their dead
from the Civil War, they decorated the graves of the fallen with flowers,
flags, and offered a moment of silence. Soon, decorating graves naturally grew
into honoring those who died in all conflicts that the U.S. had been involved in.
Originally known as "Decoration Day," the name was
changed to Memorial Day in 1966 buy President Lyndon Johnson. Also, Memorial
Day was moved from 30 May to the 4th Monday in May to create a 3 day
weekend. As an informal tradition, Memorial Day kicks off the summer season.
I served in the US Army from 1986-1997 and spent 7 years
stationed in Germany along with a 3 month deployment to Hungary. Being in the
military isn't an easy life, but it can be very rewarding. I learned things
about me, and the world around me, I hadn't even realized before. Concepts such
as discipline, responsibility, honor, and sacrifice are embedded in my bones.
It led to be a 911 dispatcher for LAPD, a job I've done for 14 years now.
For those currently in the Armed Force and those veterans
who have served – thank you. I appreciate your sacrifice.
Several US Presidents come to mind when I think of Memorial
Day. They include: Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, William McKinley, and
James A. Garfield. They had served in the military (For Lincoln, I count his
service as commander in chief) and they died in office, sacrificing their lives
for their country.
Question for you: Do you know someone who has died serving
their country? Or a veteran now? Share their name and what branch of service
they were in.
Bonus: (I'm dating myself, I know) Season 1 of Wonder Woman featuring Lynda
Carter took place during World War II. What brand of service was Wonder Woman's
alter ego, Diana Prince in? What was her rank?
Have a great Memorial
Day. Enjoy the day, but take a few
minutes out to remember those who passed on, even the Presidents. Their
sacrifice ensured your freedoms
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