There is a big difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. Sometimes, in all of the three-day-weekend plans, people can get the two a bit confused.
On Veteran’s Day, I’m proud. I’m thankful to my dad, my husband–both Marines–and the many, many others who have served our country and protected my freedom.
People hear that my husband is in Iraq right now and often they tell me a sincere and sweet thank you and ask that I would extend it to him. Every time I hear it, my heart swells and I’m thankful again for these guys (and girls) and thankful I can be part, in my holdin’ down the fort kind of way, in this fight for liberty.
With Memorial Day approaching, I’ve received more of these kind sentiments than usual. I appreciate every one. I know what they are meaning–that my husband and other military guys are willing to lay down their lives. But I often wish I could say one thing…
I’m not one of the ones who truly needs to be thanked on Memorial Day. I hope and pray–with every breath these days–that I never am.
Because Memorial Day is more than just being grateful to our troops. They do indeed put their lives on the line for the rest of us. But it’s really about remembering, truly remembering, the ones who have done more. The ones who have given their very lives to protect our freedom. It’s about thanking their families. The families who are remembering them today and every single day.
So now I’m remembering… the heroes I’ve known personally or indirectly and their families. And I’m passing on some of those thoughtful thank you’s on to them.
Tim. I picture you laughing. I picture you standing with me and two other friends around the piano because you decided to throw together a quartet for special music at the very last minute. I see you with a paper hat on your head, your arm around your mom, trying to make her laugh. Miss you, old friend. Thank you, precious Watkins family.
Dan. You were always good for a laugh, hanging out in our shared front yard, teasing your pretty wife, joking with John and talking theology. I re-read your final letter, which our President read to the American people, and I can hear your voice saying each line. Thank you, sweet Lisa–my first Marine Corps neighbor and friend.
Jim. You left a legacy among people you never knew. Thank you, Mel and the Holtom family.
I think of the guys from John’s base in the Sandy Spot who just recently paid the Ultimate Price. My heart still aches and my eyes well up when I think of you and your families. Thank you to those families. We don’t know you, but you’re part of “the family.”
…and so many more.
Remembering.
Kelsey Smith says:
May the Lord Bless Them All!!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:06 pm
Jenna says:
Beautiful, beautiful post. Remembering all of those you spoke of and all the rest.
And praying for you and your sweet little family!!
May 25th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Darcy says:
Beautiful, beautiful post Ashleigh.
May 25th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Sarge Charlie says:
This made me cry, I read all the links, god has to love such fine young men.
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
- General George S. Patton, Jr
On this Memorial Day remember my friends who died for your freedom.
Dear Lord, lest I continue in my complacent ways, help me to remember that someone died for me today. And if there be war, help me to remember to ask and to answer “am I worth dying for?”~
Eleanor Roosevelt
May 25th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Mike Golch says:
May the Lord bless them and keep them safe.may the lord give comfort to those that have lost their Sons,Daughters,Husbands and Wifes.God bless all who have given their lives for our freedom.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Becoming Me says:
Excellent and beautifully written post.
May 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Years says:
Well stated and a welcomed explanation.
I can’t help but think that our “good intentions” to thank every serviceman in church this weekend, somehow takes away from the ones whose memory (and family and sacrifice) is worthy of our whole attention instead.
May 25th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Tiffany says:
What a beautiful post. Tears in my eyes I am so proud to be an american!! You put Memorial Day perfectly!!
May 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Heather says:
Wonderful post Ash.
May 26th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Adventures In Babywearing says:
I think I get them confused, too, and am making sure to really remember today. Thank you.
Steph
May 26th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Jody says:
Thank you so much. I completely agree and have said this to people before. My husband is a former Marine and I am very thankful he is home (he was Honorably Discharged six months after we married).
May 27th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Happymama says:
Such a lovely and beautiful post, Ashleigh.
Remembering….
~Kristi
May 27th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Kimi says:
well said.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am