Remember those who died for our freedoms
As we enter Memorial Day weekend, there will be holiday celebrations galore. Far be it from me to say gathering with family and friends, parades, vacations, and other activities is wrong. However, if each of us don’t pause to remember the men and women who gave their life fighting for our freedom, shame on us. It should not be confused with Veteran’s Day where we salute all of those who have served. While many will enjoy their weekend activities, I doubt the families of those who died in combat will share our spirited enthusiasm.
The brave men and women died giving us the freedom to live as we see fit. We are able to worship in any manner we choose. The National Anthem is enjoyed at many sporting venues.
The Pledge of Allegiance is still being recited at many events. We have the freedom to vote and elect the people we want in office. In short, we have the freedom to do anything we want within the law. These would be the people I try to associate with.
We also have the freedom to not worship at all. People aren’t required to stand for the National Anthem. They can choose to stay seated as it is played or sung. There are some who even choose to kneel during the National Anthem. We have the freedom to not take part in the Pledge of Allegiance. As a matter of fact, men and women died giving us the freedom to burn the American flag if we so choose. They died to give us the freedom to not vote if we don’t want to. Basically, they died giving us the freedom to do nothing while criticizing those who are trying to get things done. These are the people I avoid at all costs. If this offends you, it’s OK. We don’t hang out anyway.
There are several in my family who have seen war. We are blessed because they all came home. But not before seeing things we don’t talk about at dinner parties. As a matter of fact, the ones in my family don’t talk about it at all. Being in law enforcement allowed me to see things no one should ever see. Smell things no one should ever smell. Things I can’t write about. And wouldn’t if I could. Not a day goes by that thoughts of those things don’t cross my mind. One difference between law enforcement and the military is this. After seeing those things, I was able to go home to my family at night.
My brother Craig did two tours. One in Iraq. The other in Afghanistan. I know there had to be times during those two tours he was terrified. There were times I was afraid in law enforcement. If someone in either profession tells you they were never afraid, they are either lying or crazy. Memorial Day isn’t about my brother. He came home. What I am about to say, I am saying for the first time ever. It’s personal. While Craig came home, it is obvious to me there is still a piece of him which still resides in Iraq and Afghanistan, It isn’t only him. The same can be said for many veterans, if not all.
This week, Craig laid his wife Samantha to rest at Georgia National Cemetery. I would never have guessed she would have gone before him. That’s how little I know about life and death. When she passed, I was concerned about how he would respond. It was almost like I could hear Daddy talking to me saying, “Talk to your brother Boy. Make sure he’s OK.” So, I did what the voices in my head told me to do. It wasn’t easy. I’m not close to the man my Daddy was. But I did it anyway. I love my brother and respect his service.
Samantha took care of Craig. She took care of her Mama before she passed. And she took care of her Daddy who had to bury his daughter a few days ago. Samantha was a caretaker. She did it well. Did she have issues of her own? Of course, she did. We all do. But she stuck with Craig and he with her for better or for worse. They stuck it out as a couple. Right up until the end.
Men and women are still dying in the military fighting for our freedoms. They are dying for a nation where many are ungrateful. So, if you are one of those people who are ungrateful for our freedoms and the soldiers who died for them, let me say this. Bless your heart. If you’re from the South, you know what that means.