Freedom Is Never Free

Memorial Day was born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.  One hundred years later in 1968 the date was moved to the last Monday in May allowing for the three day weekend (www.usmemorialday.org).

Arkansas National Cemtary

Currently it seems, that for many, Memorial Day signifies the beginning of summer. It's a chance to head to the lake for the first time, gather with family and friends for cookouts or even shop one of the holiday weekend sales. While all those things are good and should be valued in some degree, I worry that they can also serve as distractions.

My Grandfather-US Navy

Both of my grandfathers served in the military. One was a pilot in WWII. He didn't talk about his service until I was much older.  It took me by surprise to hear that he was a war veteran let alone a pilot. The other was a Master Sergeant in the Army. Unfortunately he passed away when I was only five. I remember him and the crew cut he always wore. He was my mom's father and we were very close to her family. As a young girl I remember going to the cemetery every Memorial Day to place flowers on his grave. There were flags everywhere, each with significance. It was somber and beautiful at the same time. I believe this experience had a lot to do with the strong sense of patriotism I have always had.

The boys at the WWI Memorial 

Now as a mother of two young men, I have tried to educate them on what our military has done and continues to do for us. We have visited memorials, like the one here in Kansas City dedicated to World War I,  National World War I Museum and national cemeteries.  We have participated in volunteer opportunities that benefit veterans, the Make it Count Today 5K is near and dear to our heart. They remove their hat for the National Anthem and they respect our flag. I've taught them that the freedom we have did not come free. Our military and their families have served and sacrificed greatly for it. They have seen this first hand through the experiences of families we know.

Traveling Vietnam Memorial

Make it Count race 2014

Throughout our history we as citizens have not always agreed on how to handle conflicts effecting our nation's security.  Sides are split on military funding and ground troop numbers. The ability to disagree with our neighbors or even our government is one of the things that make this country great. However, I think we can all agree on one thing. Our men and women in uniform deserve our unconditional support, our respect and our prayers.

Our family will participate in some of the typical Memorial Day activities. As we do, we will take time to remember why we have this three day weekend, beginning of summer, cookout-filled holiday in the first place. I hope you and your family will do the same.