Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally uploaded by Robert Brown...

The day is done, the swimming pools are empty, the barbecue grills have been cleaned and put away and the travellers have returned home. So ends another Memorial Day.

I wonder, during the barbecues, the swimming and the traveling were our soldiers that have passed away been remembered. Was a moment of silence observed in their honor? Was a prayer even said for them?

Myself, I took my son to the Ft. Bliss Cemetary, just so he'd learn and understand exactly who the Memorial Day Holiday was for. As we drove around the cemetary I had him take notice of exactly who was at the cemetary paying their respects to the departed. One thing we noted was that the only people there were elderly.

After a quick discussion on the difference between values and valuation I asked my son what difference he could pick up between the values of the older generation and the younger generations in reference to this holiday.

To paraphrase a 12 year old, his response was " The younger generation sees the holiday as a time for barbecues and roadtrips while the older generation sees it as a time to honor those soldiers that have passed away."

I know it might not be much, but it does give me comfort to know that at least there will be one person in the future who'll truly understand the meaning of the Memorial Day weekend and hopefully pass it on to his children.

And for those soldiers that have passed away, as well as those who are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice while standing guard over this nation and the principles of freedom and equality for all I offer this humble prayer.

"May you rest in the bossom of the Lord's Heart and may his Love hold you steadfast. You may be gone, but you are not forgotten."