Post by mwardncsu on May 26, 2023 7:38:09 GMT -5
I wrote this 10 years ago - hard to believe - it it stands as true today as then…. Decided it was time to add some voice & imagery to this as well....
This weekend, Memorial Day weekend, marks the unofficial start of Summer. The lake will be buzzing with Jet skis & pleasure boats, fishermen cursing them while trying to land that "big one", children & teens laughing and screaming being pulled on tubes, skis & wake-boards, jumping off docks, playing with swim noodles. Grills will be sizzling with burgers and rib-eyes while sodas and beer will be cooling on ice.
Many of us will be enjoying this three-day weekend. A short break from our day to day lives, a chance to rest, enjoy time and catch up with family & friends. An opportunity to do what we want in that moment, indoors, outdoors, wherever.
But not all of us will have that opportunity this weekend.
Not all of us will be able to enjoy a bit of time in or on the water, with friends and family - not all of us will be able to enjoy the beautiful weather and the sounds of Summer that grace us now.
Not all of us will be able to - as some paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation, in service to us, in service to you. They gave all to protect the ideal of what our Nation stands for, what it can, should and will be. They gave everything to protect the ideals of Freedom for us both here at home as well as for others abroad.
So, as we enjoy our burgers & beer, as we listen to the children playing and the cicadas in the distance this weekend, please take a moment and let us not forget them on this Memorial Day.
This weekend, Memorial Day weekend, marks the unofficial start of Summer. The lake will be buzzing with Jet skis & pleasure boats, fishermen cursing them while trying to land that "big one", children & teens laughing and screaming being pulled on tubes, skis & wake-boards, jumping off docks, playing with swim noodles. Grills will be sizzling with burgers and rib-eyes while sodas and beer will be cooling on ice.
Many of us will be enjoying this three-day weekend. A short break from our day to day lives, a chance to rest, enjoy time and catch up with family & friends. An opportunity to do what we want in that moment, indoors, outdoors, wherever.
But not all of us will have that opportunity this weekend.
Not all of us will be able to enjoy a bit of time in or on the water, with friends and family - not all of us will be able to enjoy the beautiful weather and the sounds of Summer that grace us now.
Not all of us will be able to - as some paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation, in service to us, in service to you. They gave all to protect the ideal of what our Nation stands for, what it can, should and will be. They gave everything to protect the ideals of Freedom for us both here at home as well as for others abroad.
So, as we enjoy our burgers & beer, as we listen to the children playing and the cicadas in the distance this weekend, please take a moment and let us not forget them on this Memorial Day.