Over the Memorial Day weekend, it has never seemed right to write about anything but, well, Memorial Day. To remind everyone – myself included – that the holiday is not about barbecues and fireworks and the unofficial start of summer. It’s about remembering and honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country.

Every year, I’ve taken part of the day to sit back and reflect on this, as well as to call or text my son – a former Marine who served two tours in Iraq – to thank him once again for his years of service. I say a prayer – for my son, who came home safely from his war, and for all those who did not come back from theirs. I think about the men and women who have died in the many wars throughout history, and those who have been willing to, which includes everyone who has ever served in the armed forces.

This was brought home for me very eloquently yesterday at a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Putnam County Veterans Wall of Honor. Everything about the ceremony was awe-inspiring, from the names on the wall, dating back to the Civil War, to the many veterans in full uniform despite the heat of the day. From the woman whose powerful voice sang the national anthem, to the high school student who has performed “Taps” at the ceremony for the last four years. And from the main speaker, a retired Army officer, to the former Marine who delivered the Benediction. All of them made me think about everything required of our military forces, including the sacrifices they are – or were – willing to make to protect others.

I hope I never lose sight of that. And that I never forget or take for granted, as I go about my day-to-day events and activities, how many have sacrificed their lives in order to keep others safe, how many have been willing to make that sacrifice during the time in which they served, and how important it is that we recognize, respect, and remember them all.

May 31, 2022
©Betty Liedtke, 2022

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