If you’re a regular at IHTM you’ve undoubtedly seen comments from WhiskeyRiver. The grizzled old Vietnam vet from New Mexico sent us his poignant perspective on Memorial Day and we thought you might enjoy it as much as we did.
I don’t care much for Memorial Day, it reminds me to remember things I would rather forget. This weekend is the beginning of the summer season. People will be heading to the lakes and campgrounds. Boats, beer, fishing and playing, most having no clue as to why they are getting a three day weekend. Most do not understand that Veterans Day is the day we should be celebrating with our veterans who are still with us. Memorial Day is the day we remember, and honor, those no longer with us.
I have always thought the two days we remember, honor and thank our veterans should be reversed.
Today should be Veterans Day. Spring is here, the grass is green, the fruit trees have bloomed, nature’s life cycle has begun again and what could be better than celebrating the coming of the summer season with a vet. Veterans Day is about the living and should be celebrated when our earth’s cycle of living begins once again.
Memorial Day should be observed on November 11. The weather is usually cold, bleak and windy, more fitting for the moment. It is a day to remember those who never made it home, those who were lost or buried in some foreign land. It is the day we shed a tear over those who came home in a flag-draped coffin. It is the day we celebrate the lives of those who survived, and now feel sorrow because they are gone.
I hope all of you take a moment to remember what this holiday is all about while you are enjoying your time with family and friends. Stop for a minute, gather them around you then say a little prayer for those who have fought and died protecting our country and freedom. Little John, Stan, J.R. and Bill. I will never forget my brothers and I will keep your memories alive until it is my time to join you.
May God bless America and the men and women in our armed forces. May He bring our sons and daughters home soon, never to be sent to die on foreign soil again.
