When I was a child Memorial Day weekend was always a time when families would gather at the cemeteries and decorate the graves of family members. Special honor was given to those who had lived and died serving our country. Sadly this tradition is no longer alive for me as I, like many others, have moved away from my roots. What is alive however, is my waking up on this day and being conditioned to step outside of my own life and stop to remember those who have gone before me.
Today I am reminded that all that I have, and the life that I live, are not the results of just my own making. I recognize that we are all connected not just in the here and now, but also to those who have gone before us. It is their blood and toil that has paved the way for our efforts to flourish. Our lives are what they are today because of what “they” have done and given. And so today I am thankful for my childhood traditions that have led me to this moment. I am thankful that I was taught to honor those great men and women who gave their lives for this Great Nation.
May God bless them, and may God Bless America!