In Memorial, everyday
As I sit here at the end of a beautiful Memorial day I have to sit back and think about what this day actually stands for. For to many people it stands for a long weekend, the beginning of summer, or day to go by a car on sale.
But that is not what this day is about. This day is for honoring the brave men and women who given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In this time of deep partisan bickering from both sides of aisle it is always important to honor all those who have laid down their lives so we have right and freedom to have these arguments. There are to many times when we are to deeply focused in our arguments and finding someone to blame for everything to realize that we do live in the greatest country on Earth. The reason we do have such a great country to live in is because of the men and women in the armed services who day in and day out risk their lives so we can live with such freedom. Many who lost their lives fighting for out freedom. These exceptional men and women never asked for an recognition or honors, they would tell you they were just doing their job. So that is why we take this one day a year to honor those who have sacrificed so we have long weekends, enjoy summer, or even go out and buy a new car. I hope everyone has taken time today to think of and honor those who have died for our freedom.
As I sat down in Prescott Park this afternoon I did take some time to think of those who have made that sacrifice for us. Dating back the Revolutionary War and fighting for our independence from tyranny. Then again fighting England again in the War of 1812. Then the Civil War, fighting to keep the Union together. Then in the 20th century fighting against oppression around the world during World War 1 and 2, and again in Korea. Then the war that is more known for the bitter political battles, that being Vietnam. To many times the Vietnam War is remember for who was right and who was wrong. Many call this time one of the darkest in American history, I agree with them. But not for all the political bickering but for the way our brave soldiers were treated when they returned. To many times we forget the over 50,000 who lied down their lives in Vietnam. The same can be said for the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. To much is made of what can be made out of these politically, and to few is made of the men and women who are fighting these wars, have fought them, and who have died during them. We must always remember them, and remember their families who worry every day about them, after all war is usually harder on the families who don't know what is going on, then the person who is fighting it.
I consider myself lucky that I have not lost any one close to me because of war. I have had two grandfathers who fought in World War 2 and made it home safely. I had an uncle who served in Vietnam and made it home, even though some men in his unit were captured and were POW's that were never found. My father served in the Army in Germany when he is younger and retuned home safely. My close friend Ernie has also been deployed a couple time in the Mid-East during the wars, and has returned each time safe. I am deeply grateful for all the safe return of all them. But I am also reminded of Navy Seal Dan Healy whose helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in 2005 killing him and 15 others. Until I was 7 I lived in Hampton, and Dan and his family lived down the street from us. I have very few memories of Dan, as he was 4 years older then me and was more friends with my older brother. But I do know when I read about his death I did cry and felt great sadness for his family. I have seen his mother over the last couple years on different TV news shows speaking with such great pride about her son, and all who served with him. She has been very outspoken is her support of the troops and all they are fighting for. Every time I do see her speak I have a great sense of pride. She has shown to be a very strong women, and that rubbed off on Dan who with out an hesitation joined the Navy and made it all the way to a Navy Seal. I just ask everyone to take some time every now and then to remember people like Dan Healy, who have give everything and ask for nothing. I also ask to think of the family they have left behind. Nothing can every replace a son, daughter, husband, wife, brother or sister who had been lost defending this country. We should honor and remember these heroes more then just one day a year.
But that is not what this day is about. This day is for honoring the brave men and women who given the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In this time of deep partisan bickering from both sides of aisle it is always important to honor all those who have laid down their lives so we have right and freedom to have these arguments. There are to many times when we are to deeply focused in our arguments and finding someone to blame for everything to realize that we do live in the greatest country on Earth. The reason we do have such a great country to live in is because of the men and women in the armed services who day in and day out risk their lives so we can live with such freedom. Many who lost their lives fighting for out freedom. These exceptional men and women never asked for an recognition or honors, they would tell you they were just doing their job. So that is why we take this one day a year to honor those who have sacrificed so we have long weekends, enjoy summer, or even go out and buy a new car. I hope everyone has taken time today to think of and honor those who have died for our freedom.
As I sat down in Prescott Park this afternoon I did take some time to think of those who have made that sacrifice for us. Dating back the Revolutionary War and fighting for our independence from tyranny. Then again fighting England again in the War of 1812. Then the Civil War, fighting to keep the Union together. Then in the 20th century fighting against oppression around the world during World War 1 and 2, and again in Korea. Then the war that is more known for the bitter political battles, that being Vietnam. To many times the Vietnam War is remember for who was right and who was wrong. Many call this time one of the darkest in American history, I agree with them. But not for all the political bickering but for the way our brave soldiers were treated when they returned. To many times we forget the over 50,000 who lied down their lives in Vietnam. The same can be said for the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. To much is made of what can be made out of these politically, and to few is made of the men and women who are fighting these wars, have fought them, and who have died during them. We must always remember them, and remember their families who worry every day about them, after all war is usually harder on the families who don't know what is going on, then the person who is fighting it.
I consider myself lucky that I have not lost any one close to me because of war. I have had two grandfathers who fought in World War 2 and made it home safely. I had an uncle who served in Vietnam and made it home, even though some men in his unit were captured and were POW's that were never found. My father served in the Army in Germany when he is younger and retuned home safely. My close friend Ernie has also been deployed a couple time in the Mid-East during the wars, and has returned each time safe. I am deeply grateful for all the safe return of all them. But I am also reminded of Navy Seal Dan Healy whose helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan in 2005 killing him and 15 others. Until I was 7 I lived in Hampton, and Dan and his family lived down the street from us. I have very few memories of Dan, as he was 4 years older then me and was more friends with my older brother. But I do know when I read about his death I did cry and felt great sadness for his family. I have seen his mother over the last couple years on different TV news shows speaking with such great pride about her son, and all who served with him. She has been very outspoken is her support of the troops and all they are fighting for. Every time I do see her speak I have a great sense of pride. She has shown to be a very strong women, and that rubbed off on Dan who with out an hesitation joined the Navy and made it all the way to a Navy Seal. I just ask everyone to take some time every now and then to remember people like Dan Healy, who have give everything and ask for nothing. I also ask to think of the family they have left behind. Nothing can every replace a son, daughter, husband, wife, brother or sister who had been lost defending this country. We should honor and remember these heroes more then just one day a year.
posted by Qman16 at 10:19 PM
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