There was a couple on the news show this morning. They were serious, as they said that Memorial Day for them has always been a picnic and pool party in celebration of the Beginning of Summer. Not this year. They lost a son serving our Country in Iraq. Now, they said, they understand what Memorial Day is about.
By far, the most memorable, special and patriotic Memorial Day weekends have been those spent with our daughter, Mindy and her family, when Norm was serving in the Navy, in his 20 year career, and we were able to visit them, where they were stationed. Around here, many are just doing the Holiday fun thing or they are busy protesting the war in Iraq. We constantly hear or read the outrage of many about this War and what sounds like shear hatred for the Commander in Chief (certainly they have no respect for him whatsoever). This emotion and speech often translates into very derogatory remarks and accusations against America itself, as the aggressor Nation, even a “terrorist” Nation, hell-bent on oppressing and dominating other (usually “poor”) nations around the world. It all becomes very depressing, as well as disturbing, to say the very least.
I am constantly thankful for all those in uniform who are serving our Country (you and me), especially those who have paid to do that with their life or limbs. I have never prayed more often for any President, than I do for Mr Bush. That is Biblical, as well as patriotic. We can have honest debate about this War, but those wearing the uniform are sworn to obey and sacrifice and they do. We should honor them, no matter what, for doing their duty to God and Country.
What can not be honored is demeaning their sacrifice or taking it for granted or benefiting from it without gratitude. What can not be honored is exploiting their suffering for personal and political gain and to win elections. Now all of that is something to be protested with outrage!
