Time to Remember

I know you know that Craig and I are veteran's and this post isn't for us. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have given their life because of their military service. To be honest, growing up I didn't think twice about Memorial Day. I didn't know what it meant and I could not tell you when it was celebrated. I grew up with relatively no recollection of war, the sacrifices of war, or the burden of war.

I joined ROTC in college for purely selfish reasons - I needed money for college and saw this as a way to graduate without $50,000 of debt. It didn't take me long to realize that my reasons for joining ROTC would not get me through. My mindset changed, and as cliche as it sounds, and I wanted to "make a difference." I wanted to serve in the Armed Forces. I was taught a deep appreciate for all veterans, young and old. I learned for the first time what this country was founded on.

Memorial Day occurred while I was at boot camp. The daily routine changed and instead of running and marching to jodies everywhere we went, we marched in silence. At sunrise, we ran to the center of the base where a tall flag stood. We were not told what exercises to perform, rather we watched the physical training officer and followed suit. The entire physical training was silent. We were usually yelled at during our PT sessions, and the reprieve wasn't as relaxing as I would have thought. We were told to make it the hardest PT session we could, to push ourselves past exhaustion and to remember those who gave their lives so we could serve and live free. It was a pretty phenomenal experience.

Until 9/11/2001, my generation didn't really feel the sacrifices the military makes. Now, we join our parents and grandparents generations and are feeling the war at home. I hope it makes Memorial Day more than a three day weekend for you. As you enjoy the extra day off, take time to reflect on all sacrificial military service. Read a Medal of Honor citation, place a flower on a veteran's grave, wear red,white and blue, or say thank you to someone who has lost a loved one.