Memorial Day "Thank You"

Inscription on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLIDER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD

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The days leading up to this Memorial Day weekend had me a bit bummed. Travel plans of mine didn't happen as I had hoped, so I was moping a bit. Then, as I watched the news and saw all the coverage about this being the 'official start of summer' and hearing all the statistics about all things travel-related for this holiday (gas prices, freeway traffic, etc.), it hit me.

This holiday is NOT about travel. It's about remembering those Americans who lost their lives protecting and defending this country that I live in.

In all my life I had never felt so ashamed about my attitude on this holiday as I did on this one. Don't get me wrong, I knew this holiday was all about honoring those who have died in serving our country, but that paled in comparison to the fact that I got a 3-day weekend, you know? I'm sorry for having this attitude. I really am.

This year - this moment - was 'different'. These past months I've had a renewed sense of gratitude about all the things in my life. I've been SO thankful for all that I've been privileged with in my life: good health, family, my job, friends, and so on.

And today. Today I had real gratitude for the freedom to live my life as I choose to, and for the endless opportunities given to me because of the soldiers (and their families) who sacrificed and gave their lives to defend this country. Because of these soldiers I can wake up each day and go wherever I want. I can do, say, and behave (within reason) whatever and however I want. I can profess my love for Jesus Christ one day, then decide to practice Buddhism the next. I can read whatever I want, even eat and drink whatever and wherever I want to.

Words can't describe the gratitude I am feeling for all of you soldiers, past and present, who answered the call on your life to honor the United States by serving in the military.

Thank you, and God bless you and your families. God bless America and all that she represents.

In Him,
Rambling Muse