Memorial Day

Just a quick thought. . .at church yesterday the pastor did an excellent job talking about Memorial Day and what it means. He had everyone who was serving in the military or who ever HAD served stand up. Then we said a prayer and he talked about the fact that "those who are standing here among us watched their friends die. . .and they continued to serve."

I'm not really sure why people say "Happy" Memorial Day. I think they don't stop and pay attention. Even if they aren't focused on the extra day off or the sales at the mall or the big picnic, many seem to think it is a day to celebrate our country or celebrate our military. We'll it isn't. We have those--4th of July, Veterans Day, etc--but today is a day of MEMORIAL. As in memorial ceremony, 21 gun salute, caskets draped in American flags.

It is a day to be grateful. Unfortunately, those we acknowledge today don't get to see our appreciation. They probably don't mind that--I have never met a soldier who served because he wanted someone to tell him thank you. But, take a moment of complete silence and think really hard about what it is to die for your country--It's not some vague, idealized notion, but being in a hot, dirty place far from home and loved ones and being willing to die there. To know your wife and children are at home and you will never see them again, and they will cry for you forever. But also knowing that your dying there will help keep your fellow Americans from dying on our own soil--and then gritting your teeth, picking up your weapon, charging into battle with every bit of strength you have and then some. And then being carried out of there by your brothers in arms. Tears in their eyes because you are gone.

It's not pleasant to think of the real WAY people die for their country. I know that I can't even begin to describe it for real because I haven't served--and I would never have the guts to do it. There is a song called American Soldier that says "I don't want to die for you, but if dyin's asked of me, I'll bear that cross with honor, 'cause freedom don't come free." That's the big thing. They didn't WANT to die for us. But they did.

The closest thing I can associate it to is the idea of being caught in a snowstorm with my child and only one blanket. Most parents would immediately give that blanket to the child. No matter how cold they were, frostbite, or whatever. They would carry that kid wrapped in a blanket until they found a way to make that kid safe. We would all do it for our children. But most of us couldn't do it for an entire nation of nameless, faceless people who often aren't even grateful. That takes a special kind of person.

So, take a minute to look heavenward today. Just say thanks. As my husband says "Soldiers don't expect anyone to say thank you, but it sure sounds nice when they do." I think even from heaven they can hear.