Memorial Day is always a bittersweet time to me. While people are out celebrating the day with picnics and parades…others are at the cemetaries; and many are mourning their own personal losses. Each and everyone of our freedoms in the United States were purchased by the blood and sweat of a service member from the beginning of our country’s history. Our town did something unique this year with a, Field Of Memories. There was a flag and information representing each of the 92 service members, from Michigan, who lost their lives.
In this time of war with Iraq, whether you feel it is justified or not personally; i hope you found some way to honor the men and women who are committed to following through with their pledge to their branch of the service and to our country. It is always a sacrifice; but never more so, than during war. Freedom and honor don’t come cheap…many individuals gave their lives and limbs, for you and I.
Thank you to all who have served both past and present, in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, or The Marine Corps. It can never be said enough, that you are appreciated; and, your families sacrifice of time with you, is not forgotten. If you can find a way to support and encourage a military family please do so. It is a way of giving back!
Write where you are 
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
Audio at:
[audio src="http://media.libsyn.com/media/stushie/Memorial_Day.mp3" /]
And thank you for sharing this reminder.
http://ravenscawl.wordpress.com/2008/05/25/shed-tear-for-a-soldier/