Just Another Day in Paradise: Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day, a day to remember our soldiers who have lost their lives while defending our freedom.

I get so aggravated with people (Americans!) who don't seem to know what this holiday is all about. People being interviewed on TV haven't a clue. People on facebook posting comments and/or pictures that represent a different Patriotic holiday (just as important, but wrong one). I think the families of the soldiers who paid the ultimate price for our freedom would appreciate us remembering their loved ones on the day that is set aside to honor them. (...and every other day) So, when people say "Thank a soldier" on Memorial Day, NO, unless you're going to the cemetery to thank them. I haven't lost a loved one (not anyone I remember) that was defending our country. But, I do have a brother who served three tours in Iraq with 20 years of service. I do have another brother currently embedded with the military in Afghanistan who is a international police advisor. So, pardon me, while I get all upset when our own people (Americans) don't seem to know what our national holiday's are all about. Veterans Day and Armed Forced Day is the day to honor our veterans and current military. (OR every other day of the year as well, just NOT Memorial Day!) We visited Arlington National Cemetery in 2009. It was truly the most humbling place I have ever been. The magnitude of emotions seeing all the soldiers buried there was something I cannot describe. There were several services and burials going on while we were there. Hearing the bagpipes being played, seeing the flag draped caskets, and witnessing the gun salutes was enough to drop me to my knees. The Changing of the Guard, (I'm shocked how many people have no idea what that means) was,for the lack of a better word, amazing. I could have sat for hours watching our military guarding the grave of the unknown soldier, who died defending our great country, and we don't even know who he was. (There are many unknown soldier's, all buried across the US in our national cemeteries.)