I'll be honest, growing up, Memorial Day to me was dragging my happy summer ass early out of bed to be bussed around to local cemeteries to play in the high school band. Patriotic tunes, prayer, gunshots. Rise and repeat, we'd be off to the next site. That's not to say I didn't appreciate the day and it's meaning, it was just met with a mundane routine year after year.
I have both family members and friends who are veterans and are currently serving. I respect these men and women tremendously. I have begun to appreciate them even more along with my increasing interest in a future military career. We really don't think about how much those in the military sacrifice and how hard they work until we apply the scenario to our own life and imagine what we would have to sacrifice. Really, think about it.
Not only is this a wake-up call to appreciate the importance of our American military, but I think Americans should reflect on their life in general as Americans. Like, this weekend I ate probably four meals a day. I had access to clean drinking water. I went to a job that takes excellent care of elderly individuals. I went to another job that takes excellent care of individuals with special needs. I took a bike ride on a beautiful night around the town I grew up in, and not once did I harbor the fear that I would be attacked. Afterwords I went home to enjoy a glass of wine. This morning I took prescription medication to aid in allergy relief. I could do all these things because I live in a country that allows me to.
How FREAKING AWESOME is that?
So this Memorial Day (and really, everyday) consider all the blessings that have been placed in your life, and think about those who are less fortunate. Men and women in the military have a long history of working hard so we can live with these luxaries. Don't take them for granted. Happy Memorial Day.
Bike rides and wine.
Freedom, baby.
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