Happy Memorial Day

Having a chance to say thank you to our troops comes on a daily basis for someone like me. Taking time to smile and wish them a happy day can change the life of a sole soldier. "Welcome Home" are sweet words that it is a privilege to utter. Today, I think of the people who stood and were recognized in church services across the country for their service.  I think of the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to give us our freedoms. I think of the families who bare the heavy burden to say their father or mother, husband or wife, son or daughter, brother or sister, grandfather or grandmother gave it all for our nation. I think of the days they must still choke back tears, the moments that loved one does not have the chance to witness, the lives that were seemingly taken much too soon.

Driving down Marine Drive on Saturday we passed Asan Beach (see previous post on the details of this sacred piece of land). To our surprise the field was saturated with American flags and Guam flags. It was breath taking. The sacrifice that played out on that land is what Memorial Day is all about.

One plaque in the park reads, "This memorial is a testament... they knew at last their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed... and will never be forgotten."
                     -Lieutenant Governor of Guam

President Harry S Truman said, "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices".

So I ask, what did you do for Memorial Day? Did you seek out an old friend and say thank you? Did you sit and listen to stories about your grandfathers days in the service? Did you stop and shake the hand of the vet you just walked past? Take a moment. Say "thank you". I promise it will change their life.

We enjoyed a quiet day, just the two of us. Laughed at dinner with great friends. And were reminded that military life is always full of wonderful people, amazing adventures and never ending surprises.

Happy Memorial Day from our rock in the middle of the Pacific.