Teresa D'Amario

Happy Memorial day everyone!  It’s time for my annual post to clarify the purpose behind memorial day.  As retired military, I find it my duty to make sure everyone understand’s it’s purpose, and not get it mixed up with other holidays. 

I love when local businesses offer special discounts to military and retirees on Memorial Day, but at the same time, I feel guilty.  Memorial Day is not about me.  Instead, it’s about the thousand (or thousand and seven, according to another report).

There are three major military events marked on our calendars.  There’s Armed Forces Day, Memorial day and Veteran’s day. 

Armed Forces day slipped past, quietly uncelebrated, on May 15.    This holiday is designed to remember all those who are serving in the US Military.  So for all those who missed their Armed Forces day thank you – THANK YOU.  Your sacrifice is not forgotten by everyone.

Veteran’s day.  Originally replacing Armistice day on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th Month.  This is the day designed to commemorate all those who have served in the Armed forces in the past.  In other words, The veterans.  I’ma  veteran.  And on the days the stores offer specials to veterans to say thank you – there is no guilt.  I run to those stores and take advantage, and offer those stores my business at other times as well.  If you appreciate your freedom, Thank a Vet.

Memorial Day.  The oldest and most well known of all three military holidays, created after the civil war.  It is the day we honor our fallen, the ones who didn’t come back to hug and kiss their families. 

Someone once told me in England they try to forget their military dead, because well, they’re dead, and that means they didn’t survive the war, which means they aren’t heroes. 

I disagree.  It doesn’t matter how these men and women died.  Whether they did so crying in pain, or never saw it coming.  What matters is they were there, providing a shield between Americans, and whatever threatens us.  They gave their lives so we could continue on our own chosen path.  They gave us freedom and they gave us our lives. 

So this year, we have new honored dead to remember.  Those who have died in this long and bloody war against terror.  Whether you believe in the war or not, these people still deserve their just dues.  So today, just before you light the grill and have fun at your picnics, give every member of your family a hug, and remember that someone gave their lives for this moment.  And, Take a moment to review the casualties list of soldiers, airmen and sailors who have lost their lives in the current war.  List of Casualties for Afghanistan.  I couldn’t find a list of those who lost their lives in Iraq, but they too should be remembered.

So raise your American Flag on this greatest of American holidays.  Not for the Veterans.  Not for the Active Duty, but to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Their lives. 

May they rest in peace.

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