Here and Abroad, God Bless America

memorial day

Today is Memorial Day.  It is a day to remember and show appreciation to the men and women who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of the country they loved and valued.  There are still many thousands of troops overseas today still putting their lives on the line for you and for me.  They battle the heat and battle the enemy.  They fight depression and anger as much as they fight the fighters from other countries that hate ours.

Those of us who have our feet on American soil cannot even imagine the dramatic conditions of what our soldiers live everyday.  Pounds of gear, scorching heat, in many cases, being ordered to shoot anyone who is a threat, including women, children, and the elderly, endless miles away from their loved ones and the land they love, military food, and not knowing what today will bring.  Like I said, we cannot even imagine!

I guess this is why it infuriates me when I see stories of those who are burning the American flag, damaging military graves and crosses, not saluting the our flag, and complaining about saying the Pledge of Allegience or singing the National Anthem.  Are you kidding me?!

This is America, people!  You are still standing on American soil, having your barbecues, waterskiing, going to the beach, enjoying family reunions, and picnics in complete freedom because of all the soldiers who are fighting for our freedoms and for those who died for it.

If, in fact, you are from another country and don’t appreciate the American customs and traditions, too bad.  Take the  next flight off of our great land and live your life in your own country.  We have our own problems to contend with and our society is going through a very uncomfortable phase right now, but this is America and we love our country and what it stands for.  You might as well accept it.

For those of you who are or have fought in wars and served during peacetimes, thank you so much.  We honor you and applaud you. For military families, we thank you for all the sacrifices you have made too.  It’s not easy to try to live life “normally” while waiting to hear if your loved one is okay overseas, or celebrating birthdays and holidays without the soldiers you love.  We applaud and honor you as well.

So, as you are eating your burgers, throwing horseshoes, or drinking your lemonade, take a moment to think about why this holiday really exists.  It’s not just another 3-day weekend;  it has a purpose.  The purpose is to be grateful and to say “God Bless America.”