Memorial Days

Memorial days of past, I think of all the BBQ's that I have spent with family and/or friends.  Remembering all the good times playing darts, washers, cards and more recently "ladder jack".  My family refers to this game as "monkey balls" which makes it even more enjoyable as we laugh through our crudeness and hope for  brighter days.  Also, wishing my sister, Chrissy, could be sitting beside me eating a plate of all our special family foods, but it was not meant to be.

My intention for this site is not of a political nature; rather, one of keeping it real about my journey here. Mostly inspired by my sister's death and the loved ones that have passed on before me.  As this weekend brought about many thoughts of them, not because they were all veterans, but how they influenced my life.  That spurred another emotion that all people of this country should say a prayer, have a positive thought or action in honor of our veterans who have fought, protected and upheld our constitution......ultimately sacrificing their lives.  All Americans should respect our veterans and soldiers, especially the ones who have died in the line of duty.  I did grow up with the influence of the Democratic Party, but I wouldn't call myself a strong political figure of any party these days, but I am steadfast when it comes to remembering our fallen soldiers.   You don't have to be at a special ceremony, but perhaps saying a prayer for them, donating to our veterans' funds, hanging an American flag and at the very least saying "thank you" when you pass a person in uniform.

As I was leaving our campgrounds on Monday, enjoying the long weekend, I heard shots being fired, and at first I was curious to the sounds, thinking it may be someone hunting in the area.  It then occurred to me that perhaps it might be related to Memorial weekend, which I came to learn that there was a ceremony happening in honor of all the fallen soldiers of Alton.  It shouldn't matter your views of the wars past or present because anyone who is enjoying a BBQ or worshiping at your own church or attending the university of your choice or buying the clothes you want to wear or walking the streets of this United States in freedom should ask themselves these questions:  Would I be able to do this if it were not for the efforts of past and present soldiers who served this country to give me all these opportunities?  Would I want to stare down the barrel of a gun or walk anxiously awaiting a bomb that could explode at my feet at any time?  What would life be like without the efforts of our enlisted men and women?   Many times I've heard it said, "I have the right to.......".  (you fill in the blank)  I pause and think, would we have these rights if efforts of our soldiers fell short?  One could argue the cause of our past conflicts or wars, but many of these soldiers did it with patriotism and honor. I am so grateful for all those people who have enlisted or have been drafted, but ultimately they were here to protect and afford me the rights and privileges of this country.  It's not a perfect country by no means, but I honor the Americans who have protected me so that I am able to write the words I choose on this website without being penalized.  Yes, all those who complain and write negative thoughts about this country.....it is your right because of the efforts of our soldiers.  It's not because of the representatives, senators and presidents.  They, too, are doing what they do, good or bad, because of our fallen soldiers.  We don't have to like or even accept what laws are being enforced, but as Americans, we have the right to profess our complaints or support because of their efforts.  So on this Tuesday after Memorial weekend, I want to profess my support for all those dads and moms, students, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends who have protected and upheld my rights to do whatever it is that I do.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you some more. 

I will never forget my family who have passed on to their new lives.  My life is forever different and new as I have come to learn.  My life is also different because of our veterans who have gone before me; fighting for my rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

"The last of the human freedoms is to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."

           By Victor Frank
The best quote is on a plaque in the cemetary at Normandy.

"Men, not much older than boys, gave up all of their tomorrow's for your today. It is your responsibility to them to make this a world worth dying for.".


That says it all.