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Remembering on Memorial Day

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Submitted By fiaingael
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With Memorial Day right around the corner, I've seen a lot of posts telling me to remember what Memorial Day is all about, that it's more than just a BBQ. They are beautiful and inspiring and while I appreciate each and every one, I just have to say that I'm not likely to forget. I will remember always because I think about it always; on Memorial Day, on Veteran's Day, Armed Forces Day, D-Day and the anniversary of Pearl Harbor... and every other day of the year. Maybe not every minute of every day but at least once a day, something reminds me of the sacrifices that others have made on my behalf. I'm not a weepy or sentimental person by nature but over the last 10 years or so, I've cried a million tears in the names of soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines that I don't even know. It doesn't take much. A news article, a Facebook video, a song on the radio... all of these bring to mind a picture of courage, honor, commitment and sacrifice, things we may not stumble across too often in our daily lives but that are the very essence of every one of our troops. In my home, in my heart, these things are revered. I have cried at news articles reporting one more who will never come home. I cry at homecomings, too, but those are tears of joy. I cry for the things they've missed and the families who've missed them and I cry for the people who will never understand what their sacrifice really means. And Friends, I want you to know that I cry for your sons and daughters, too, and your boyfriends and husbands and wives and for you and the children left behind, anyone who waits, wonders and worries. When I read your status about missing them, my heart aches with yours and I pray for your solace in these times of great uncertainty. When I read that they've come home, it brings a smile to my heart that is uniquely for you and yours and I give thanks for their safe return, knowing they may leave again soon.

No, I won't forget. For the rest of my life and into eternity, I will live in grace and gratitude for the gift of liberty I've enjoyed. I will stand behind our troops, beneath our flag, and I will remember, in humility, every single one who paid the ultimate price for my freedom. Non sibi sed patriae.
(Not for self, but for country.)

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