Isn't it strange how this has become the norm on a day that was supposed to be dedicated to the memory and honor of our lost veterans? I guess it's not much different than Christmas being about Santa and Easter being about the Easter Bunny, candy and hunting for eggs.
Do you ever just stop to think about how screwed up things have become, how it's now normal and traditional... Or better yet, who started this cycle of confusion in the first place?
Whose idea is it to constantly redirect people to something more entertaining, fun, or convenient causing them to almost completely forget why they began to celebrate at all?
Guess it's just one of those things that make you go "Hmmmmm".
Since we can't necessarily pinpoint where it all went wrong, and I don't think many of us really have any intention of never barbecuing on Memorial Day again or opening presents on Christmas morning, I like to always make sure I take time to reflect, understand and remind myself of the day and it's origins.
I have not lost a loved one overseas but I know that many of you have and my heart goes out to you during this time of remembrance. I want to make sure I take the time to honor all of those who give their time, and often their lives, to ensure we live in the land of the free. You are the ones who make it the home of the brave and for that I am truly grateful and do not take my freedom for granted!
It's not just on Memorial Day or Independence Day that I am reminded of the sacrifices that so many make for our freedom. Each day that I'm out helping the homeless is a reminder as well. It constantly baffles me that so many of our homeless veterans return home only to find themselves with no where to belong in the very country they fought for.
It breaks my heart to realize consistently that our soldiers so often return home having lost more than what we realize. Some lose their lives... Some lose their limbs... Some lose their minds... Some lose their homes, families, ability to function in society the way they once did. So many lose so much all so that the rest of us can have everything. So why is it that when they need us, not everyone who lives free on this land they fought for is standing and willing to fight for them?
There are many organizations who try to assist with this often ignored problem, but understand that the VA and various groups or organizations can only do so much without the support of the majority backing them. There are always still so many veterans who are homeless in every city despite the fact that there is assistance for veterans available there. There just never seems to be enough to help them all and so many end up forgotten and lose their lives on the streets of America rather than in war torn countries where it would seem more likely.
So I urge you to do your part to make a difference whether that is by volunteering your time or giving financially. Please don't ignore the fact that our veterans are struggling in the streets in so many states throughout this free country. They fought for freedom, yet they are not free at all.
In the midst of swimming, visiting family, traveling, camping, eating delicious BBQ chicken fresh off the grill... However you choose to celebrate this day, do not forget why it came to be. Please remember those who lost their lives as well as those who fight daily to keep theirs. Teach your children what this day is all about so that, as this mysterious trend setter continues to misconstrue every day of sacred meaning, you will not let the future generations completely wipe out the "reason for the season".
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