Memorial Day 2007

I always turn a little melancholy on Memorial Day. I think about all of the men and women who lost their lives to keep our freedom. I think about the families of those who lost their lives and will never see their loved one again. Sure, the barbecues and family get-togethers are nice...and so are the days just spent laying around, doing nothing, but I feel it's important to also remember those who made the biggest sacrifice of all. Today we'll probably go to the cemetery, just down the road, and see the Parade of Flags that is always put up for Memorial Day. We'll also visit my father-law's grave (a Marine Corp veteran) and other graves of those we know.

Maybe I'm a little goofy, but I've always enjoyed going through the cemetery. Both of our sons started their quest to learn to drive at the cemetery, and I discovered that it reminds you of a lot of people, when you see their headstone...people you may have forgotten about. Of course there are also the people that you haven't forgotten about, and you just want to pay your respects to them. I know that can be done by just thinking about them, but I'm a "visual" person, and prefer to actually be at the site.

Yes, definitely a melancholy day.