Memorial Day 2010

Song Lyric of the Day:

Day is done, gone the sun / From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky / All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Daniel Butterfield / “Taps/Day Is Done

Like most Americans today, I enjoyed having the day off work. And, like most Americans, I did not take for granted the fact that I had today off to reflect on and remember all our servicemen and women who fought for and died for our country. Which is why I never tell anyone to have a “happy” Memorial Day, since this is not a happy holiday. While I’ve always been aware of what this day means, working with dozens and dozens of ex/retired military men and women over the years (thank you, government contracting) helped further my appreciation and deepen my understanding of the sacrifices military personnel — and all their families and friends — make for the liberties we do often take for granted on an everyday basis. Having two active military brothers-in-law (one in Iraq, one stateside) and an ex-Army brother-in-law working as a contractor in Afghanistan to support the troops he loves so much only adds to the poignancy of what Memorial Day means for me this year.

So while we all enjoyed cookouts, trips to the pool, or, as in my case, a movie at the local theater, I hope you stopped for a moment to think of our fellow Americans who were not here and whose families and friends honored the day in their memories. It’s the least we can do.

An MSNBC report about Section 60, where most of our current conflicts’ war dead are buried:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Read about the Ladies of Arlington, who make sure no soldier is ever buried alone.

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