Memorial Day weekend, is the unofficial start of summer... Many of us head to the backyard for a BBQ, or head North to the beach or to the Cape for the long weekend. But, we should not forget that this is a solemn weekend of remembrance. The sacrifices of our troops, the ultimate sacrifices, made by so many so that we can enjoy those BBQ's and beach days should be honored this weekend as well.
There are 300 Million people in the United States, and 1/2 of 1% serve in the armed forces. After 10 years of war, it amazes me that there are still people in this country that do not know someone who has deployed, but there are people like that. People who are lucky enough to watch the news and not be afraid, people who spend birthdays, and anniversary's with those that they love. People that go to bed every night, snuggled up to their soul mates without a care in the world. But the 1/2 of 1% of this country have missed those birthdays and anniversaries. They go to sleep alone, and their loved one's avoid the news, because it's too hard to think of the worst case scenario.
Fortunately for us, most of our brave service members come home at the end of a deployment. They come home different, but they come home. There are those, who do not. Those that have fallen, fighting for what they believe is right. THAT, is what Memorial Day is really about. Remembering them. It's the least that we can do. Remember the families that will never be whole again.
But, it's not just about this war, it's about all of them. Millions have died for those BBQ's and beach days... MILLIONS! And even if you don't know someone who has served and died in the last decade, I promise you that there is someone in your families past who did in another war, in another time. The 300 million of us, owe everything that we have to those brave, fallen warriors, who gave up everything for us.
This weekend 750,000 bikers will make their annual ride to Washington DC to pay tribute to our nations heroes for Rolling Thunder. But, you don't have to ride a motorcycle to our nations capitol do remember the fallen. Just remember!
This Memorial Day, I will be thinking of 2 of those brave soldiers...
PFC Jonathan Roberge who was the first KIA from my home town of Leominster since Vietnam.
and Sgt. Edward Grace who I had the privilege of meeting in Afghanistan.
Enjoy your weekend, just take a few minutes out of it to remember why we have Monday off!
Excellent blog.. well put. I have a few Vets I will be keeping in mind this week..
Much love to you Carrie for caring about our troops and Vets the way you do!
Matt Lancaster
05/24/2012 4:36PM
All gave some, some gave all.
Known only unto God, may He grant unto them eternal rest. My brothers, thank you for your sacrifices and for allowing my family to live FREE. Miles E. Palasz
"Flags In" at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Sgt. Christopher Anthony, Sentinel, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), places a flag at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery, Va., May 24, 2012. The ceremony known as “Flags In” is performed to commemorate and honor U.S. military personnel ahead of the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and has been conducted annually since 1948. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Jose A. Torres Jr. https://www.facebook.com/oldguard Check it out...
05/29/2012 1:33PM
Hits Home
Thank you Carrie! It hits home hard for us having lost our 22 yr. old son, PFC Matthew Bean, 5 yrs. ago this thursday, May 31st! You are right...too many forget the reason for the "holiday". Nothing is more heartstopping than to hear someone say "happy Memorial Day". It can never be. Dana Bean- Proud Army Dad
06/04/2012 7:37PM
Thank you
Mistress Carrie I want to thank you. As celebrity goes you are pretty big in Massachusetts. My friend Joe told me you really cared about the troops and after seeing you at the warrior transition unit lunch and always talking about "your guys"I am believing it. Its good to have someone local caring with no other motive but respect. Again I thank you.
Papi
01/29/2013 9:29PM
Good info
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