Memorial Day

Memorial Day has a different meaning for those who truly stand behind the flag, instead of simply waving it. As a military spouse, I have faced the demon of fear and I will face it again. I have spent sleepless nights, dreading a knock on the door or the simple ring of the telephone. I’ve heard the “I’m okay but something happened” calls. I have helped my children through the stomach-dropping, heart-pumping nausea that those calls produce.

I don’t want to turn my simple little blog into a rant. I know sometimes I will give in to the temptation to stand on my soapbox and (somewhat anonymously) spout off at idiocy, laziness, or other pet peeves. But for now, I won’t. My friends have found some amazing quotes, comments, and thoughts about Memorial Day, so I will use my space for their findings and their words.

“"Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored."

“I am absolutely irritated when I hear people say “Happy Memorial Day”. There is nothing HAPPY about a soldier making the ultimate sacrifice for love of country. There is nothing happy about his or her family back home mourning the terrible loss. IT is not about a three day weekend or phenomenal retail opportunities. IT IS A DAY TO HONOR AND REMEMBER SERVICE MEMBERS WHO HAVE DIED!!”

“Memorial Day is a day set aside to remember, but we should do that daily! Thank A Vet, Thanks someone in uniform for their service now too...and remember the families that have paid the ultimate sacrifice!!! I love my man in uniform and the rest of my family and friends deployed now..TY all for All you do!!!”

"The American flag does not fly because the wind moves past it-The American flag flies from the last breath of each military member who has died protecting it, American soldiers don't fight because they hate what's in front of them...they fight because they love what's behind them." ♥ Re-Post this if you Support your Troops.

One Army wife writes a journal—365 Days of Missing You. Today, she wrote the following—

“Day 118 - Today was Memorial Day so I took the kids out to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery to pay their respects to some of our fallen Heroes. There were so many people there, it was nice to see what Memorial Day means to so many. The kids also got a little history lesson when Barron asked if we could lay a flower down for you too. I was happy to explain that there is a big difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Afterward I met with some fellow Army Wives to take the kids swimming. It really was a good day!”

My other military spouse friends will understand this entry for the pride she has, and the guts it takes to face down the devil in a cemetery full of reminders of the ultimate sacrifice. Stories like this are not uncommon, and I hope others will have a new appreciation for what this day means to us as members—military and family—of a group so few have joined.