remembering...

it's Memorial Day. it's a time when families gather and bbq. friends get together and swim or go to the beach. it's a time when people focus on their 3 days off. as an Army spouse (retired), i can't help but stop and think of the brave men and women who have given their lives for our freedom and for those who continue to serve and defend our country every day. i am so proud of my husband for serving honorably in the Army for 22 years. he is a patriot. each and every Memorial Day, we as a nation stop and thank those who have served and are currently serving. but how many of us really do that? how many of us forgo the picnic or the party to go to a veteran's hospital or a cemetery? how many of us call those we know who are currently serving or have served before and say "thank you for protecting my freedoms"? it is nice to have a 3 day weekend but let's not forget what it's all about. let's not forget those who don't have the luxury of having a holiday weekend because they are in a war zone. let's not forget that our military men and women are defending the freedoms that we take so easily for granted...you can have an opinion and share it because of those who guard your freedom to do so.

thank you to all the Soldiers, Marines and Airmen for your sacrifice to our country. thank you to all the spouses and family members...you have the toughest job in the military.


In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.