Memorial Day Weekend

I hope that on this Memorial Day we can for a moment think about our military tribe. Families that at their core are not much different from other American families, the nation entrusts them with its safety and security and its future as a free people. They make up less than 1 percent of our citizenry, but bear disproportionately the burden of sacrifice.

If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.

‎"There's a disconnect every day, but I think it's felt even more so on Memorial Day," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. "The average American family goes to the beach or goes to a barbecue. The average military family goes to a cemetery."

You see their faces, but you don't know. They are the children of war. Born of those who fought til the day they died. You would never know by just their faces but the badge of pride they wear upon their heart on their sleeve is a bright answer for the sacrifice "IT WAS NOT MADE IN VAIN" We, the children of those Heroes who answered that call, are honored to be theirs.

A soldier died in battle and went to the gates of heaven, where he met God. He said to God," Lord, I know I did many things i ain't proud of, and many more that you won't approve of, so if you send me to hell, I won't argue." God stood there, and then turned to the gatekeeper of heaven. "Let him in", he said. The gatekeeper, confused, asked why. God looked down at the soldier & said," This man just came from hell."

How does a soldier feel fighting a war?
Does he always know what he is fighting for?
Maybe he knows but doesn't understand,
why he is alone in a faraway land. 
Like so many others he is there for a cause,
And like the rest he doesn't pause.
He has a job that he does well,
even as his best friend beside him fell. 
How does he feel when he hears the news,
of violent protests from the ignorant few?
His shame is great, the pain goes deep
he feels compassion for the dead at his feet. 
Rioters can boast and carry signs,
about the war that has shook our time.
But when the call comes for them to go,
they burn their draft cards and make a show. 
How can a soldier be proud of his land,
when this type of people make a stand?
How can we show him we are glad he is there,
fighting for freedom and the ones who care? 
War is unfair in any way of life,
and all involved must pay the price.
But the soldier is proud to keep us free,
stop and think..........
Shouldn't you be?