Monday, May 28, 2012

Happy Memorial Day!

This photo says it all. Memorial Day is a U.S. national holiday when we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. If you have lost a loved one, please know that millions are pausing today to reflect on your sacrifices. We care. Thank you for giving up the most precious thing you could give - your children, fathers and mothers, grandparents, brothers and sisters, cousins, and friends. I hope you can let the American people embrace you today in a gigantic collective hug of love and appreciation.

While today isn't really about the living, it's a great opportunity to thank veterans and the men and women who are currently serving in our Armed Forces. At any time, those at war could join the fallen at our national memorials at Arlington Cemetery and across the country. Today, some who were injured while serving are healing at hospitals around the world. Their stories - grit, determination, and bravery - are inspirational. Others who have returned from war aren't receiving the care we owe them, particularly those with PTSD. That saddens me.

So many images - so many stories - define Memorial Day. "Thank you" doesn't seem adequate. While there will be pageantry, picnics, parades, concerts, and fireworks today, many of us will be thinking tearfully about the heroes who gave their lives so that we could live in peace.

Photos sources lost

5 comments:

toughdoc said...

Thank You CG.
Remember the fallen and their bravery, their zeal. Freedom isn't free. I'm eternally grateful to them, for defending and protecting us.

Eileen said...

Thank you, Charlestongirl, for this beautiful and heartfelt tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to the friends and families that have been forever changed by their loss.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Toughdoc!

Happy Memorial Day - best celebrated with thanks and memories!

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Eileen,

It's such a sad day to me. Is there such a thing as too much empathy?

Eileen said...

Too much empathy? No there isn't, Charlestongirl. If more people were as caring as you are, this would be a much, much better world for all God's creatures--great and small :-)