May 27, 2007

Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day, and it's a time here in the States where picnics take center stage. It's used in the marketing arena as a way to kick off the Summer season and funnel thousands to the beaches, and into stores. Many of us take the time to get together with family and friends in some way and have a good time, eat good barbecue, have a few beers and play horseshoes and quoits. (That last one is kind of like horseshoes, but better.)

But the name of the holiday is "Memorial Day" and it is the day designated when we pay tribute to the men and women in the Armed Forces, and especially those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. My father was one of them. He died on foreign soil... Saigon, Vietnam, almost 39 years ago. He was an MP in the Army, assigned to the US Embassy in Saigon. A tragic accident took his life... three weeks before I was born.

You are still remembered on this day, and many days. You also have a granddaughter and grandson, and they are growing, and will take your legacy with them as they live their lives too.

So remember, respect, and welcome home those that served... and thank them.

No comments: