Peace on Memorial Day
Our family has always spent Memorial Day at the gravesites of family members. We clean around the markers, place flowers and share some memories. We also spend some time with family who served. My brother-in-law, in particular, still suffers from several tours in Vietnam all those years ago. He is chronically ill from Agent Orange. He still walks the perimeter of his yard every night or he can't sleep. He is a hero. On Memorial Day, and only on Memorial Day, he will allow us thank him for his service. He still feels some guilt about the wonderful life he has had when so many of his friends gave their lives.
About a year ago, he and I were rebuilding an old car. I had just put a door on, but the hinge was not fully hooked up. I accidently slammed the door. After almost 5 decades away from the battlefield, he threw himself on the ground. That was when I realized his sacrifice.
For our family, today is a day to remember. It's a day to be thankful and to say thanks. It's also a day to celebrate together. This year we are also talking about what we can do, in some small way, to overcome some of ugliness which seems to be growing around us. My grandfather was convinced that being polite, not wearing hats in the house and holding doors for people would make everything okay. I don't know about that. But I know that everyone who shares peace in some way every day helps the world, "Keep on Fishin."
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While Memorial Day is for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, it's still worth noting those like your BIL who still feel that guilt and live with the pain and awful memories on a daily basis. So very sad.
~Debbi
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This is an excellent post, Jim! I love your take on things, my friend! I hope you had an excellent Memorial day!
Jeff
Thanks, Jeff. I apologize for must getting around to answering this. We did have a good day. My brother-in-law hung out his green beret flag and a few people stopped to thank him. It was quite moving.
That's pretty awesome, Jim! There are still those sorts of people who recognize individuals for their contribution to Freedom, which is never Free!
Jeff