Remembrance…
I regularly write about a lot of funny things. I write about sports, about bad behavior, about silly observations. There will be none of that today. Here, over this Memorial Day weekend, I am as serious as I can be.
Memorial Day is not just another long weekend…
While we all get an extra day off this weekend, the purpose of this holiday is not just for the sake of giving all of us a chance to have a day away from the office, from school, or from whatever it is we do in our daily lives. It’s not just another day for a cookout, to go to the mall, or for me to go to the race.
Memorial Day is a day to honor those who gave so much to each and every one of us who exercise our freedom, of speech, of association, of religion, of thought — to everyone who lives free from oppression and has the right to choose the course of our lives.
Memorial Day is a day to honor heroes…
I want to personally salute the men and women who have given that freedom to each and everyone of us. Though, I know, it isn’t very much, I want to do my small part to perpetuate the memory of those heroes who gave their lives — their all — that we might be free.
The header above**, and this video — simple though they may be — are my thank you to each and every fallen hero, and to all the veterans who have so courageously served to protect this great nation.
The video is a little long, but I encourage you to take the time to watch the whole thing, if for no other reason than to briefly honor our fallen heroes in your own heart and mind.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you …
– With Deepest Gratitude,
** The Special Blog Header that appeared on Gate 21 over the Memorial Day Weekend can be seen by clicking here.
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Fantastic, dude. The banner blew me away and your words even made a bit of some odd, clear liquid seep from my eyes.
As you’re aware, I’ll be joining the military in a few short weeks, so I’m observing this “holiday” with a bit more reverence than I have in years past. While soldiers fight for the rights of all, it makes them especially proud of their duty to know that people, such as yourself, appreciate their sacrifice instead of taking it for granted like many do.
You, sir, are a fellow true American. Thank you.
Well, it’s not what I have to say that matters. It’s what the men and women of our armed forces do that is important. This is just a very small token of appreciation in comparison to all that our soldiers sacrifice to keep us free.
I just wanted to let them know that I care.
Memorial Day Sonnet
If Liberty means anything to me,
I will remember what my freedom cost,
By those who gave their all to keep me free,
Whose lives were sacrificed, but never lost.
I will remind myself of what they did,
And keep them dearly cherished in my heart;
Their honor never from me shall be hid
And I will know they always did their part
To save our nation and its people here,
To pledge their lives in defense of our ways,
To show that freedom always outlives fear,
And sacrifice is hallowed all our days.
If Liberty means anything to me,
I will remember those who kept me free.
© John Stuart 2008
Pastor at Erin Presbyterian Church,
Knoxville, Tennessee