Written by: G8rSweetie
5/25/2009 10:26 AM

Every year we look on our calendars and circle the 3 day weekend in May.  We plan beach and boat trips, picnics, and parties.  We stock pile the house with groceries and booze for get togethers and cookouts.  Yet while we are standing in line at the grocery store with a cart filled with beer and bratwursts, do we even stop to really think about why we have this 3 day weekend?  Right now many of us are enjoying time with friends and family, while there are thousands of men and women in uniform who won’t be seeing any of their loved ones this weekend; those men and women for which this three day weekend exists. 

While flipping burgers and kicking back beers, take a moment to think about the men and women who have sacrificed their lives, families, and way of life so we could enjoy the amazing way of life we have here in the US.  Think about the husbands and wives who cried as they sent their spouse off to war, not knowing if they are ever going to get to hug and kiss them again.  Think about the mothers and fathers who had to leave for duty, and may have kissed their children good night for the last time.  Think about the war veterans who fought and died for this country.  Think about the war veterans who fought this country, and returned home to find out they had been forgotten by many.  Think about those brave men and women who are in boot camp right now, waiting to hear what fate has in store for them.  Most importantly, think about those families of soldiers who never made it home.

More often than not, too many Americans have no idea what goes on in order to keep our comfy way of life.  It is taken for granted.  They don’t know what it is like to be a little girl with tears in her eyes, waving at her daddy as his ship pulls out of port.  They don’t know what it is like to be a pregnant wife kissing her husband goodbye before he boards his plane for a 9 month tour of duty.  They don’t think about the parents who can’t eat or sleep because they haven’t heard from their son or daughter who is currently serving in a war zone.  This is what we are celebrating today.  Unselfish acts by true American heroes.  These Americans know the true definition of sacrifice and should be celebrated every single day of our lives-not because a national holiday tells us we should. 

We talk about having childhood heroes like DiMaggio, Ripken, and John Elway, but these guys aren’t heroes.  Amazing men and athletes, yes but not heroes.  Our heroes are the men and women who put on a uniform and unselfishly give up their life for the protection and safety of ours.  So while you spend time with your families and loved ones, remember to pray and say thank you to all of America’s heroes-this weekend, and every weekend.  It is the least we can do compared to everything they have done for us. 

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