Memorial Day
Today we remember the men and women who fought, served, and died to ensure our freedom.
Today "taps" plays a thousand times in my head as I envision a proud and solemn veteran standing at the graveside of a fallen buddy. His uniform is crisp, army green, decorated with colorful tributes to his heroism. The tear that trickles down his cheek is salty and familiar. No one knows, as he knows, what price my freedom.
Today the sun shines brightly in a perfect blue sky and robins sing a beautiful tune of joy and life and spring. I wonder if captured soldiers heard a bird song as they marched along the road to Bataan many years ago. I'm certain birds sang. I don't know if soldiers heard. Perhaps today a soldier will stop to listen. I'm certain he'll remember the march.
Today I'll tell the kids about war. I'll tell them freedom is a gift that carries the highest price tag. I'll talk about men and women who gave us freedom by laying down their very lives. Husbands, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, neighbors, lovers. I'll tell them to make a difference where freedom is concerned. To love and not hate. To care and not be careless. To serve and not be selfish.
Today flags fly over this great land of ours in memory of courage, pride, love of country, selfless service, and heroism. We must never forget what price our freedom.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."
-Ronald Reagan
