It's a day you've always known about. A day you might spend with friends and family for a cook-out and some togetherness. A day you welcome summer back for another season and a day you might enjoy off from work, just relaxing and perhaps watching a parade.
That's how your Memorial Days have pretty much been going for years and then suddenly you've become the mom of a Soldier and you see things differently. You think of those having served before him, the ones that didn't make it back home, the ones that were hurt during battle and the ones that are still out there fighting and doing what every soldier does day by day - you think of all those more clearly. You think more of their families that are left behind, fighting their own battles and holding down their own forts.
You look at the old veterans handing out little flags today, the ones marching in the parade and sitting on the sidewalks watching a little more intensely as you're wondering what they have experienced during their time in the service. And although you've always had a smile, a friendly hello and a nod of the head for them before, suddenly you want to go and shake each and every one of their hand and just thank them for their service. Thank them for all they have done in their lifetime to protect their country, to take care of their families and friends, to pave the roads for future soldiers, just like they will continue to pave it for future generations of soldiers. And you want to tell them you're glad they're here, glad they made it back safe and sound.
Happy Memorial Day!
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