Memorial Day - Remembering Heroes

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. We all know what that means to the majority of America these days...cookouts, campfires and carnivals. It's considered the unofficial start of summer and a time to start heading to the shore for some sun and fun. Isn't that just a shame? There is nothing wrong with any of those things, in fact I've been known to enjoy a hot dog or two myself. However, does anybody really put any thought into what this day is really all about? If you take out people over 50 (which I am not) and veterans (which I am), the rest of American society probably doesn't give this day a second thought.

When I drive by a cemetery and see hundreds of American flags, I don't think how pretty it looks. I recognize that they mark the graves of men and women that gave their lives for ME! These men and women died so that I can have the freedom to think and say just about whatever I want, and so that 10 other people could have the freedom to disagree with me 10 different ways. I don't think I personally know anybody that has died in war, and they certainly did not know me...but still, they laid down their life FOR me.

I have taken many trips in my life, but I have visited 2 places that have left me particularly inspired, in awe and tearful. The first was Arlington National Cemetery. I defy you to visit there and not cry. Looking out over a sea of white crosses, and thinking about what each of those crosses represents took my breath away. The second place was Gettysburg National Battlefield. It is the only place in the world I have ever been where I swear I could actually hear the voices and the battles while I stood in an empty field...it gave me chills several times over. If you need to look up either of these places on wikipedia, don't be embarrassed, just do it...please know our history!

The word hero is thrown around an awful lot these days, and most of the time it is used poorly. To call a basketball player, an actor or a musician a hero is to lessen the importance of the word. Every man and woman who has ever given their life in defense of this country is a HERO! They are not heroes because they died, but because they knew they might. Did you ever wonder what went through the minds of these people as they prepared to perform the final tasks of their lives? I'd be willing to bet that most were terrified. I doubt any of them intended to die, but many knew they would, that's a hero. Many have died trying to save others who themselves died for their country, or protecting innocent people who just got caught in the middle. Again, those are heroes.

What I am asking everybody to do is very simple, and doesn't take much effort at all. Tomorrow, as you sip your beverage of choice, and you decide what condiments to put on the burger, take a few seconds to remember why you have the day off. If your favorite ball player gets a big hit in the game, correct anyone that might refer to them as a hero. If you have children, teach them about those that made our way of life possible, and if you don't know yourself...find out!!

I hope everyone enjoys the Memorial Day holiday, but keep in mind we are still fighting a war in two countries. How many more "heroes" will be created before we see the end in Iraq and Afghanistan? God bless our soldiers.