Today, for the first time in forever, I slept in. Well, sort of. I woke up at 5:45, talked to my boyfriend, tried to sleep through a movie but failed, and got out of bed at 8:45. But then, due to not having anything to do all morning, I didn't even get into the shower and out of my pajamas until 12:30. It was amazing. I felt lazy but it was what we all need every once in a while.
But today is more than just a day to be lazy. It's more than just a day to stay in your pajamas until past noon. It's more than the barbecues, more than the family camp outs and floating down the river.
I've been honored to know several people in my life who have served our country. My Grandpa Bill served in both the Navy and as an Army medic, where he earned a bronze star for bravery. My step-grandpa Norm served airborne in the army. My cousin Heath served in the Air Force and my cousin Stefani and her husband are both Army. My nephew’s mom spent some time in the service. A dear family friend of mine also served in the Navy. No matter what stage of life I'm in, no matter what city I'm in, there is someone close to me who has sacrificed themselves and put their own life on the line for our country. And it's beautiful.
Not only have I been honored to know many who have served, but I have been fortunate to see each of them return home. Each and every one of the veterans I know will tell you that today is not about them. It's about those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It's to remember those who have died so we can be free.
I remember being in elementary school and learning the words and signs to Lee Greenwood God Bless the USA for a veteran's day assembly. I stood up there (I'm sure in a floral dress with a crocheted white short sleeved sweater - thanks mom) and sang the words “I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died to give that right to me.” I didn't know exactly what those words meant, but I knew they meant big things.
Like those I know who have served, when you thank a veteran or a current service member on Memorial Day, they will likely say, “Thank you, but today is not my day.” And there is truth to that. But, on Memorial Day, not only do we honor and remember the lives lost, but we honor and remember the families they have left behind. Each of the lives lost is someone's son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, uncle, aunt, friend. Each of the lives lost leaves behind a legacy. Part of that legacy is the people that person served alongside. They become a family as they serve together - brothers and sisters fighting for this country we love. When their brother or sister dies, they mourn along with the family of that brother or sister. A lot of times our friends and family who make it back haven't been able to grieve the loss of their brothers and sisters because they just had to strap on their boots and keep on going. Our friends and family then end up experiencing the loss over and over again in their heads - replaying the images of their brothers and sisters being killed in front of them.
Sometimes, as a nation we focus on the wrong things. We are so focused on being politically correct and pleasing everyone that we forget the important things. Sometimes we as Christians do the same. We are so quick to judge. We are so quick to call people out and to shame them. We shame a poor mama for turning her eyes for one second. Not to mention, we shame a zoo for choosing a 4 year old child's life over a gorilla’s. We don't listen and wait for the whole story. We don't take the plank out of our own eye before shaming the speck in our neighbor’s. Please, don't lose sight of what's important.
Memorial Day is about the lives lost. But let's not forget to wrap our arms around the ones left behind too.
To the mamas of those who paid the ultimate price: thank you. I can't imagine your pain, your grief and your sorrow. I hope you aren't forgotten, and that you are proud of your brave son or daughter.
To the dads, brothers and sisters who died for us: thank you. Your bond is different than that of a mama. Your grief is different, and your pride is different. You aren't forgotten today either.
To those who serve, and to those who have served: thank you. You watched your friends pay the ultimate sacrifice, and you continued on, even in your grief and sorrow. Thank you for serving this country and putting your life on the line. You are never forgotten.
To the babies of the ones we’ve lost: thank you. I can't imagine losing a parent. Your grief is big, it's real, and it's hard. You aren't forgotten.
To the wives and husbands who have lost the man or woman you love: thank you. You also made a sacrifice. The grief you must be feeling is unimaginable. You are remembered today.
To those who have given it all: thank you. Today is your day. Today we spend remembering your sacrifice and your commitment to this country. And we are proud of you. We grieve with those you have left behind. And we thank God for your sacrifice.
Cause there ain't no doubt you loved this land, God bless the USA.
