Memorial Day

This Memorial Day I want to take a moment to reflect on those who served our country and paid the ultimate price. Fathers, brothers, uncles, neighbors, and friends laid down their lives a generation ago in World War II and for generations before them dating back to the American Revolution. Women have joined the ranks of the fallen in the Global War on Terror in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria.

We honor all those who served. What prompts a civilian to place themselves in danger, to stand for their country against an armed adversary? As one who has never served in a military context I can only speculate.

Democratic Ideals

I like to think it has something to do with the democratic ideals baked into our way of life. The freedoms we enjoy come at a cost. The freedom of speech, religion, and assembly; freedom of the press, a right to a speedy trial, to due process; the freedom from soldiers quartered in our homes, from unreasonable search and seizure, from self-incrimination; freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. These are the freedoms our service members secure for us.

It is our duty to recognize and honor their time away from family, missed birthdays and soccer games, missed recitals and family barbecues, and of course, the ultimate sacrifice, their very life. Join me in honoring these heroes. Read your Constitution, understand your rights and responsibilities. Vote. Engage in civil discourse. Demand change where needed. Work within the system. Call out injustice and advocate for American values.  

Memorial Day and You

If you are a writer, use your pen or keyboard for good. Propaganda and disinformation are the tools of cowards and cheats. Monitor your Facebook feed for inaccurate or hurtful posts. Think of the heroes who gave their lives before pressing that share button.

Above all, be kind. Be kind to those you agree with. But be kind also to those who disagree with you. It is their right. In the end, we are all Americans, all fortunate to live in a working democracy. It is more important than ever to recognize the sacrifices made on our behalf. On this Memorial Day I am truly grateful.