Monday, May 29, 2006

Memorial Day

Here's a Memorial Day tribute to fallen soldiers, and an exhortation for the rest of us to go and find a soldier's grave, and remember what duty costs.

Then just bow your head and, as Gen. George S. Patton said, do not mourn that such men died, but thank God that such men lived.
I am ashamed to say that I tend to think of Memorial Day as an opportunity to get caught up on yard work, or a chance to make progress on a project that I haven't managed to finish yet. I rarely think deeply about what the day stands for, even in this time of war, when our soldiers are dying for the freedom and ideals of people who may not even be grateful for that sacrifice. My father is buried in a military cemetery, for service during World War II, and yet, because I don't believe he's there in the ground where his body lies, I never go to that place just to remember. I seldom even think of his sacrificing a part of his youth so that I could grow up in safety and liberty, let alone about those who have sacrificed their lives. I need to take this opportunity that comes around every year, and do a little more reflecting about those men and women who have served our nation. A friend reminded me recently that the day is more than just another day off, to fill with projects and barbecues. I'm going to try to remember that.