Memorial Day

“The greatest memorial to our fallen troops cannot be found in the words we say or the places we gather. The more lasting tribute is all around us — a country where citizens have the right to worship as they want, to march for what they believe, and to say what they think. These freedoms came at great costs — and they will survive only as long as there are those willing to step forward to defend them against determined enemies.” – George W. Bush (Memorial Day 2007)

 

I snatched this quote from one of my BFF’s facebook page today.  Embracing our freedoms today, whether that’s BBQ’ing (which I likely won’t do) or heading off to a Memorial Day parade (which we are about to do) or taking a dip in a lake or pool (which I wish we were doing later on) is a great way to live in memory of those who died to protect it.

I haven’t always connected with Memorial Day because no one in my immediate family has been in the service of our country.  It hasn’t hit close to home.  Growing up, we didn’t BBQ or do much of anything to talk, celebrate or remember.

It seems appropriate today to both enjoy our freedoms while remembering that all over the world many don’t enjoy any freedom.  Perspective is a powerful thang, y’all.