Remembering Memorial Day

For many people, today is just a free holiday, a day for cook-outs, or maybe a day to decorate the graves of any loved ones who have passed away. While there's nothing wrong with those things, I find it a bit sad that many people do not know the meaning of memorial day. The original day was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers and remember their sacrifices, and it was a solemn occasion. Over the years, it has turned into the mix of traditions that it is today.

As for us, we'll have hamburgers on the (indoor) grill tonight, but we'll also take a few minutes this afternoon to go to the cemetery and place a flag on the headstone of my father-in-law, Robbie. He was a proud Marine veteran who fought in Vietnam. Robbie made it home from Vietnam, but he was never the same afterwards. And while I know that Memorial Day is supposed to be about the soldiers who actually died in service, I'm thinking of him today, and others like him... those who physically survived, but lost a big piece of their lives just the same.

We'll also be observing the National Moment of Remembrance at 3pm.

If you'd like to support those who are currently serving, check out AnySoldier.com . They will provide you with names & addresses, as well as wishlists, for soldiers who are currently serving overseas. It's a great way to show your support for today's military men and women.