It came to my attention yesterday that I truly do not know what Memorial Day means. When you are surrounded by a bunch of three to 11 year olds asking you and the other Sunday School teachers questions about the holiday, and you start the “Uhs…” and “Wells…” and wonder how you explain this so they will understand…
You thank God for co-teachers.
But, why don’t I understand? Why is this such a forgotten focus in my memory. Is it because my family never lost someone in battle?
Probably so.
But, for the countless ones you have, and right now numbers show that more than 1,346,000 men and women have died throughout our history to secure our liberties domestically and abroad.
Today, I not only remember those who died for me, but I remember those who have died a little inside.
I remember you. The sons that no longer have mothers. The daughters who have lost their fathers. For those mothers who feel the gut wrenching heartbreak of losing a child.
I remember you. Today.
To my Grandpa, Robert Morton, who served in the United States Navy during World War II with the Seabees. Thank you for your service, Grandpa. The war was always with you until your death in 1977.
Today, I won’t go to the lake. I don’t plan on barbecuing or grilling. And, for a Texan, that’s sayin’ a lot.
Today, I will teach my daughter about her great grandfather and how he served our country. And, together we will learn about those who have perished, because war is real and now and not in a country so far away that we can forget it is happening.
For more info on Memorial Day for my fellow history buffs, here’s a handy link: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history
Did you know that we have a National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm each Memorial Day? So, today at 3pm your time, let’s join together in this moment of remembrance for the fallen, the forgotten, and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. I will remember.
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