Not So Happy Memorial Day

Rest In Peace SSG Harley and SGT Rabun!

I read a blog earlier from a fellow Army wife and we both feel the same on this point. HAPPY Memorial Day! Thank a Veteran for their service. You know.. If you think about it, its almost an insult to wish them a Happy Memorial Day and then Thank them for their service. Today is Memorial Day. Though I am sure they think of their fellow brothers and sisters in arms who have lost their lives EVERY day but today is especially set aside for us civilians to REMEMBER them. (We civis need reminding every now and again the cost and the things our soldiers do, yeah sad I know) So how is it an insult. Many soldiers feel the same. A "It should have been me" mentality. Normal for a soldier. They all go over there willing to sacrifice their life. So put yourself in their shoes. Go up to a soldier on MEMORIAL day and they are thinking of those who died. Watching everyone enjoy swimming and cooking out laughing and smiling but in the back of their minds they are thinking of the ones who are not able to enjoy their family. Thinking how selfish of us. Ok sure no one wants to walk around all depressed all day but I can tell you from dealing with a soldier Its ALWAYS in the back of their mind. They do great with puttin a smile on their face and pretending their heart is not heavy for the lost ones. SO when you go up to a soldier and tell them Thank you for your service on Memorial day. Its like saying Thank You for serving and not being dead. A little harsh? Sure. Did I wish my Veteran a Happy Memorial Day. No. I did not. I told him It is Memorial Day. He said I know so quietly. We paused for a moment in silence and I could see in his eyes his first thought was of the two soldier in his unit that were killed, I could see the HURT. Wishing it was him but in the same moment guilty because he is glad it was not him. Thinking of their precious families who are empty without them. So is today a Happy day. Yeah for those of you who have an extra day off to relax because your work week is so taxing that you need a whole extra day to recoup, or a free day to spend at the lake enjoying your family smiling and laughing. Feeling selfish yet? Yeah... I know I am. So what can you do on Memorial Day for those who paid the ultimate price for you. Dedicate the day to the fallen soldiers and their family. EVERY time you see your son/daughter playing, or hugging a brother/sister or watching your spouse hug their children remember there are parents who cant play with their children, spouses who are alone today, brothers and sisters who can not hug. Send a prayer up for the families of the fallen ones that this day be a reminder to be PROUD of their service member. That the burden and heart that they feel today is eased by the presence of a merciful and loving God that their pain be eased in the assurance that one day they may see their loved ones again.

"To all the service members who gave up all of their tomorrows, so I could have mine. THANK YOU"