A few days have past since Memorial Day and I’ve had a chance to reflect on the day. Memorial Day is a two faced holiday. The first face, is the face we see readily and easily. It’s the face of food, friendship and good time. It’s the face of freedom.
What did that first face of Memorial Day look like in 2009?
Memorial Day looked like people.
Where's all the girls? I'm looking so cool!
Enjoying each other's company
I love hot dogs!
Why are you taking my picture?
Can I get the whole dog in my mouth?
The face of Memorial Day 2009 was the face of food. Lots and lots of food.
300 hot dogs grilled and eaten
Gotta have some hot links too!
Country style pork ribs.
Lots of salads to choose from
But what about the second face of Memorial Day. Have we forgotten, except for a couple of brief news stories or brief mentions around the BBQ grill. That other face of Memorial Day looks like this:
It’s the face of James Lacy Havins, my great, great grandfather. A civil war doctor who braved the vicious battles between the North and South to try and save lives. Only to end of dying without anything in a Civil War Veterans Hospital in Austin, Texas.
It’s the face of Robert Everett Gahan, my grandfather, who lied about his age to enter the Navy at age 16 and fight in two wars.
It’s the face of Charles Everett Gaian, my father, who also joined the Navy to serve in the Vietnam War.
It’s the face of numerous uncles who also served their country.
Today to me the face of Memorial Day is:
It’s the Stars and Stripes. The American Flag. Old Glory.
The flag now flys in front of my house 24/7 (it’s lit at night) in honor of the Matthew David Ross, my son-in-law who finds himself away from home and his new bride serving his country somewhere south of Bagdad.
God Bless all those soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen who serve their country honorably so we can sit in the comfort of our chairs and stuff our faces with hot dogs and cole slaw.
If you happen to read this, would you mind leaving a comment for our service men and women. Maybe, some way, some how one of them will find them and be comforted.
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Great post Larry. Thanks for capturing what Memorial Day is really about.
Terrific post. Very thoughtful. Well done.
I work during the week at a military installation. Unlike much of the rest of the US workforce we are reminded constantly of the service and sacrifice of our soldiers all across the globe. I honestly appreciate the fact that Memorial Day is not just another day for us.
May God Bless our troops, past, present and future.
There will never be enough thanks for those who choose to serve our Country. Thank you Larry – To you and your family!
You hit the nail on the head Larry.
Yet another great post Larry.
Being a 3rd generation sailor, I sit on the fence. I am so thankful of those who not only served in the past, but also those (like your son-in-law) that are serving now. Yet I myself don’t feel so deserving of the thanks since it was peace time while I served.
I often wonder if there is more that we (please read I) can do. I know that I took my chances, did the best that I could with the time I had in the service, but what about now?
I ask all that read this, the next time you see one of our service men and women in an airport or train station restaurant, to join you for the meal rather than having them sit by them selves. If they are in line for a soda or water, offer to pick up the tab. If you see them walking by, just put out your hand. And when they ask why, simply say, “Thank you. Thank you for keeping my family and friends safe and free.”
You may not agree with the current actions going on all over the world, for that matter, they may not agree either. But they signed up to make sure that you and I are protected from harm by forces both foreign and domestic. They are doing the job and doing it well.
God Bless our troops and thanks Larry for your compassion and concern for the recognition of the importance of our active and retired military
Thanks for the post! May God bless our troops and bring them home safely. May He give them – and their loved ones – comfort during times of seperation.
Great post Larry. Our flag is out 24/7 to honor Mathew and all of the others serving to keep us safe.