Day 27

I'm not a big holiday guy. I'm not sure why, but I just don't seem to get excited about many of them. As I have gotten older though I have tried to practice what most of the holidays are for. They were all created with some purpose in mind.....even if it was self serving or a need for a break.

This weekend is the Memorial day holiday. Many good things happen on Memorial day weekend. It's the start of summer for most people (who don't live in Oregon), it's the NCAA division I lacrosse final tournament (personal favorite), it's a long weekend to make sure your garden is setup for the growing season, it's the start of BBQ season, it's a time for parades, it's family get togethers etc. As I ponder the real meaning of the weekend though, I am struck square in the face by something. It's not profound or even hidden. None of the things that I mentioned above would be possible if we didn't have people in uniform who served our country. They are willing to do what many others don't do. They are willing to be separated from their families for often months at a time, fight in wars, live in fox holes, live under the ocean in a moving tube called a submarine, live on a ship with thousands of their closest friends, jump out of airplanes, eat meals that are freeze dried, walk/run miles in combat boots, stand at attention, man/woman a post, fly planes, live lives where secrets are the norm, experience conditions like none other, be witness to situations that don't get talked about etc. These are all things I don't have to think about doing. It is this weekend that we strive to remember a few of those things and most importantly remember the people who have done them on our behalf.

Today I am thankful for the many who serve our country so I can enjoy MY Memorial day weekend.