As a veteran I have some pretty strong feelings about this holiday and this isn’t some rant on how we should all be mourning those we lost in the wars we fought. But, instead I wish to encourage you to memorialize those who forgone the ultimate sacrifice for our country and for freedom.

So what does memorialize even mean? My interpretation, before looking up in the dictionary would be to commemorate, or remember in a special way for an extraordinary person or act. But I like the dictionary.com definition, to preserve the memory of.

So why is it so important to preserve the memory of those who gave their lives for the beliefs and values of this country? So we can remember and be grateful for what we have, realize it is a gift, not to be taken lightly. I mean this should be a daily practice, but It may be helpful to think about this on this special day and take it into our daily thoughts.

This makes me think of a quote from George Orwell “People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” all I’m saying is that without these men and women of our military we not be afforded the luxuries we have today, yeah I know we’re not perfect, but where else would you rather live? Next time you want to complain about the country that these men and women fought so hard to protect and many died to protect, be grateful you have the ability to express these ideas, I know I am.

So this memorial day, I plan to memorialize the men and women who so honorably gave their lives so we can enjoy life’s many luxuries. So thank you and for those of you with friends and family that you have lost due to a war, be proud of them on this day and everyday, as I know I am proud of these men and women. If they deserve nothing else they deserve to be remembered as honorable, respectable, and courageous.

So this memorial day, remember, it’s not just another day off of work or a day for a sale at your favorite store, it’s for the men and women that deserve much more than a day, they deserve all that we can give them, but it will never be enough. So at the very least give them a proper holiday.

Thanks for letting me rant. Let me know what your thoughts are on Memorial Day? Is there someone you are memorializing?