Memorial Day…some see it as a carefree holiday to swim and barbeque on the grill. Others see it as a celebration of life, a day to remember lives lost as men and women have fought and protected our country. Many of us have loved ones who are serving or have served in the military. For those we are caring for who have served, Memorial Day may be a day of reflection and remembrance. As you observe Memorial Day, take time to listen to the stories and learn history from those who have served. It can be a holiday of celebration, as well as a day of respect. We want to hear from you and recognize your loved ones. Share your memories and those who have served by visiting CAREjourney.com’s Facebook Fan Page.
Liz Applegate, shares what Memorial Day means to her and her family and how she took the time to listen and experience memories of her grandfather’s military service…
Four years ago, my grandfather invited my family to attend a special event – his VPB-148 Squadron Reunion. This reunion was for the men who were members of the squadron that fought together during WWII in the South Pacific. Each year these men would meet in different parts of the country and in 2006, we were lucky enough to have the reunion in Dallas and lucky enough to attend.
We were warmly welcomed by twelve elderly men and their families who shared their stories and tales of long ago. Sitting there and looking around the room, you could still see these men as the young, strong soldiers they once were. Yes, there was gray hair and the room was littered with canes and walkers, but these men had a shared energy about them and quite a few shared stories between them.
As the night wore on, I became aware of the immensity of this outing. Over sixty years ago, these men had fought battles to protect others from imperialistic ideas from rulers of other countries. These men had grown up together, seeing more than they wanted and enduring more than they could have imagined. These men had been in their late teens and early 20’s when they had first met and now shared a lifetime of wisdom between them.
Their own mortality was very evident as jokes were shared and fun was poked with one another. A moment of hush would pass over the group when a memory of long ago was shared or a young man was remembered who had lost his life fighting the same battles as they had. It was touching to see how this would quiet the room even after 6 decades. They truly still mourned those who were lost fighting for our country.
Summer is right around the corner and most of us are looking forward to the “official” start on Memorial Day. Another day off to sleep in, to catch up on chores and maybe enjoy a family outing. Is that really all it has become?
My thoughts travel to the men who fought with my grandfather, the young wife who has lost her husband in Iraq, and the mother who lost her son, about the same age as my oldest, in Afghanistan earlier this month. I wonder how they will be honoring Memorial Day.
My husband has great memories of Memorial Day parades in his hometown. Town officials, The American Legion and other organizations walked and rode in the parade, waving American Flags. The whole town came out to recognize the day as something special and to honor those who lost their lives serving our country. Why have we forgotten to honor those who serve selflessly and pay the ultimate price?
Sadly the reunion in 2006 was one of the last for my grandfather. His health was failing and travel was becoming difficult. I look back on the pictures of those 12 men and wonder if they are still meeting. Hopefully there are several still looking forward to this fall’s event. And hopefully their stories will inspire someone else to stop and appreciate those who have fought for our country and stop in silence in a respectful hush for young men who died in battle. For these memories formed their Memorial Days…and it didn’t have to fall at the end of May.
Wednesday the 19th, 2010 at 8 a.m.
