More Than A 3 Day Weekend

Whether you’re liberal, Independent, Libertarian or Conservative we can all agree that America is an amazing nation because our military is 100% volunteers. People make defending our freedoms their 9-5 job sometimes for beyond 20 and 30 years.

The traditions we enjoy this three day weekend that is Memorial Day is usually time at the beach, out on a boat, tubing on the lake, BBQs and an extra day away from the office. Sure, the additional day away from the city is great for me but it’s important to pause and remember why we have this day on our calendars.
After the civil war, townships and citizens would gather at historic battle sites to solemnly honor those men who had died to keep our nation from being divided and to liberate human beings from the horrors of the slave trade. Since then more and more towns across the country set aside a “Decoration Day” to remember the men and women who had fought and died in all of the wars. In 1967 Memorial Day became federally recognized holiday and always falls on the last Monday in May.

The image of the American soldier has changed over the years… he has gone from being a young man during WWII with slicked back hair while smoking a ciggy to the man or woman on the battlefield in the Mideast wearing full body armor using missile technology to fight.

Even though Memorial Day is a day to recognize and remember those who have so bravely fought and died while serving our country, I always use it as a day to thank those who are still alive and serving. My Dad and Gramps are retired military and my uncle is active duty; I call them every year on Memorial Day to say thank you. I’m honored to have friends and family who are so passionate about their country and so driven to protect their families and their homeland that they are willing to risk their lives. Seth, a married dad of a recent 1 yr old. A cousin who is done with boot camp and came hundreds of miles to our wedding. There are brothers, sisters, husbands, fathers, wives and mothers who serve.

So put down the beer, pick up the phone, and give someone you know a call. It’s the least you can do.

*Elisha’s posts can also be found at Red Rover Style