So I got to thinking yesterday of something that really bothers me. A bunch of people think that Memorial Day is a 3 day weekend full of BBQs and swimming pools opening. Perhaps the reason I don't feel that way is because my Grandpa is a Vet, or maybe it's because I was once married to a military man. I don't know, but what I do know is that a lot of Americans don't know the true meaning of Memorial Day, and that is SAD to me!
On Monday in Gillette there was a dedication at the Lasting Legacy Park. It was the unveiling of the new plaque honoring the two local men that died this year serving in the military. It was a very emotional gathering if you ask me. My Grandpa did the speaking and introductions and he did a damn good job. I cried when they removed the cover of the plaque but what really made the waterworks come was when the Father of one of the men got up to speak. He didn't say "Poor me, I miss my son." He said when he last talked to his son over in Iraq he said "We're making a difference Dad, I'm making a difference."
It true. I don't care if you agree with the war we're fighting. I don't care if you don't know anyone in the military. And I really don't care if you think we should pull all of the troops out of the Middle East. I don't care because they don't care, they are there to make a difference. You should thank them, thank them for leaving their family and risking their life so that you can sleep peacefully and so that your family can be safe.
I learned that since the American Civil War over 1 Million Americans have died protecting our rights. To put that in some prospective that's over 25 Gillette's. If everyone in 25 towns the size of Gillette just died that's how many military men and women have died for our country.
So think of that next Memorial Day when you're busy grilling up some hot dogs and enjoying your 3 day weekend.
Happy Memorial Day!
