Memorial Day - More Than Just Picnics & Barbecues

Happy Memorial Day! Memorial Day has extra special meaning for me since I have two younger siblings who are officers in the Navy (one is a medical doctor) and are stationed overseas. Military life is tough and I respect and honor their military careers and the sacrifices they've made. My sister may be shipping off to the Middle East and my other brother served a few months in Afghanistan this past year so Memorial Day hits closer to home.  

I also have an older brother who is a vet (both Marines and Army) and served a tour in Afghanistan. I have family members (a great-uncle) who received a Purple Heart during WWII and an uncle who is a Vietnam War vet - a long line of military in my family. 

I dedicate today's blog post to all the brave men and women who lost their lives serving our country. May we never forget. I salute those in the Armed Forces who continue to fight and serve our country. 

I found this fantastic op-ed piece that shows that Memorial Day goes beyond just a holiday on the calendar. Ms. Gavin details her experiences serving on a NPR panel with a retired Army captain and the social media advisor for the U.S. Army. They discuss what Memorial Day really means and share stories about those who have given their life protecting our freedoms.  

Please take time out from your family activities, picnics and barbecues to remember that today is more than just an extra day off from work.

I leave you with this quote:

“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave.”