Memorial Day

The phrase Happy Memorial Day has always seemed wrong to me. How can one be happy to celebrate such an holiday?
People today have forgotten the significance of Memorial Day. For most its become a reason for a 4 day weekend, a Bar-B-Que, a day on the lake and a cold beer.
But for those of us in the military, the reason for this day is more of a reality check.
With the wars and conflict of this last decade, we can't help but feel a cloud over this day. We think about our fallen friends and family on a daily basis, but for this one day the world seems to stop. Some of us will lay wreaths. Some of us will bring flowers. Most of us will weep.
The feeling of sadness for things past, the feeling of fear for things near, and the feeling of grief for things present.

I remember where I was when the plane hit the WTC Towers. I watched the 2nd plane hit live on the news. I remember watching people jump from the buildings, I remember the screams of people on the ground and the black cloud that enveloped the camera crews as people ran for their lives.

I remember where I was when the invasion of Iraq began. I layed in bed, 6 months pregnant with my husband, when they started the "shock and awe" campaign.

I remember where I was when the news of 1st death from our squadron occurred. I was standing in my living room, when my phone rang. Our troop was on their way home after 12 long months. First, we received word of an extension. We were told upto 6 months extra. That the men had been stopped nearly half way through Iraq, when they were ambushed. PFC Hutchins, barely 21 yrs of age was killed. Trying to return home.

I remember the next death, just as well. For sanity's sake I'll keep those details to myself.

Then there was my neighbor, a single mother (I believe she made Sgt) Lynn Jimenez, she left behind a baby boy. Barely 2 yrs old when she left, too young to remember his mother and the sacrifice she made for him.

But the one who really hits home this Memorial Day, was less than a week ago.
PFC Chris Barton.

So this Memorial Day, as you light the grills, drink your beers, and start your boats, remember why you have the ability to do so.

It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.