Remembering and Honoring those who've passed from this life
They say that if you stop learning, then that is the time you may as well say your goodbyes. Of course, that's my version of it, but it was Albert Einstein who said it before me. Smart man, and it was proven with a Nobel Prize in 1921. So far, learning is still part of my daily life, so perhaps I'm still good, eh?
What I learned in the last few years, is that sometimes something that we take as tradition isn't necessarily correct. Take Memorial Day, for instance. I've always known its about the Military who had fallen in previous wars or skirmishes, but I also have learned, just here lately, that the men and women of our Military would rather you remember those who are gone on this day and not the ones who are still living. Makes sense. After all, Memorial means to remember. Remember who left behind family, friends and the "Life of Riley," as it were, to go to foreign lands. It means to remember how they put their lives on the line to ensure that the United States of America remained a free country. It means to remember that even though they are no longer with us, they are still the ones who stood in our place, to fight the fight we chose not to or could not do, to make sure that the Evil of the World would progress no further toward our shores. It means to remember the times they had to sleep on hard ground, fight dysentery, bugs, snakes, land mines, snipers, heat, cold, damp. It means to remember the letters sent home, telling of the beautiful sights they had seen, the funny stories, and the horrors that were beyond our comprehension. It means to remember the ones who are no longer with us, if nothing else, for just today.
My Grandfather is one of those Soldiers who is no longer with us. He fought against Hitler's forces, and yes he did come home, but he is no longer with us. He served with the Civil Defense in his community, saving a young man from being run over by a train. He is one whom I will remember on this day.
My Father-in-law is another who no longer lives in this world. We lost him in 2012. He served in the Army, and when he retired, served with the Border Patrol. When he retired again, he served with the Forest Service. Our PopPop will be remembered so very fondly by those he left behind.
I would be remiss if I also didn't mention my former husband, Kerry Lane. Kerry served in the Air Force and was medically retired. He, too has passed on.
While I have many friends and family members who are serving or who have served, I will not be saying "Happy Memorial Day" to them, because this day isn't theirs. And to say "happy" is a disservice to the men and women who are gone. To them, and to those who have been left behind I say, "May you remember fondly those who are gone . May you remember the good times, bad times, the laughter and yes, even the tears. May you reflect on the sacrifices they made not only for you, but for everyone who lives in the United States of America. And may you remember that they did this for you, for me, for all of us, whether you agree with their service or not."
This Memorial Day, remember those who served in our Military and who are no longer with us. Celebrate their lives, remember their sacrifice and take a moment to thank God for those men and women who took the steps that were needed to keep us safe, to keep us free.
What I learned in the last few years, is that sometimes something that we take as tradition isn't necessarily correct. Take Memorial Day, for instance. I've always known its about the Military who had fallen in previous wars or skirmishes, but I also have learned, just here lately, that the men and women of our Military would rather you remember those who are gone on this day and not the ones who are still living. Makes sense. After all, Memorial means to remember. Remember who left behind family, friends and the "Life of Riley," as it were, to go to foreign lands. It means to remember how they put their lives on the line to ensure that the United States of America remained a free country. It means to remember that even though they are no longer with us, they are still the ones who stood in our place, to fight the fight we chose not to or could not do, to make sure that the Evil of the World would progress no further toward our shores. It means to remember the times they had to sleep on hard ground, fight dysentery, bugs, snakes, land mines, snipers, heat, cold, damp. It means to remember the letters sent home, telling of the beautiful sights they had seen, the funny stories, and the horrors that were beyond our comprehension. It means to remember the ones who are no longer with us, if nothing else, for just today.
My Grandfather is one of those Soldiers who is no longer with us. He fought against Hitler's forces, and yes he did come home, but he is no longer with us. He served with the Civil Defense in his community, saving a young man from being run over by a train. He is one whom I will remember on this day.
My Father-in-law is another who no longer lives in this world. We lost him in 2012. He served in the Army, and when he retired, served with the Border Patrol. When he retired again, he served with the Forest Service. Our PopPop will be remembered so very fondly by those he left behind.
I would be remiss if I also didn't mention my former husband, Kerry Lane. Kerry served in the Air Force and was medically retired. He, too has passed on.
While I have many friends and family members who are serving or who have served, I will not be saying "Happy Memorial Day" to them, because this day isn't theirs. And to say "happy" is a disservice to the men and women who are gone. To them, and to those who have been left behind I say, "May you remember fondly those who are gone . May you remember the good times, bad times, the laughter and yes, even the tears. May you reflect on the sacrifices they made not only for you, but for everyone who lives in the United States of America. And may you remember that they did this for you, for me, for all of us, whether you agree with their service or not."
This Memorial Day, remember those who served in our Military and who are no longer with us. Celebrate their lives, remember their sacrifice and take a moment to thank God for those men and women who took the steps that were needed to keep us safe, to keep us free.
Comments
Post a Comment