Memorial Day

This is one of those random thoughts posts from Amanda. I hope you don't mind a more serious post. I love Memorial Day. I sometimes feel like it is one of those holidays that gets forgotten as many people just see it as a day off work or a chance to get away for a long weekend.

What Memorial Day means to me has changed over the years. My first real appreciation for the day came in 1992 when my brother Fred was killed. The cemetery he is buried at has a beautiful Memorial Day service with a bagpipe band and everything. That year my family started the tradition of sitting by his grave site and enjoying the beautiful view and service they have, but most importantly just remembering what a great person he was. It is a day I always look forward to.

On Memorial Day 2001 I got an even deeper understanding when I was with one of my friends while we actually watched his dad die of a heart attack right before our eyes. (His dad was only 46). I don't know how many of you have seen someone die, and I most certainly don't wish it upon any of you, but it is a humbling experience. His family are still some of my most favorite people and I will always consider it a privilege to have been a part of their lives and to get to share that very tragic day with them. Every Memorial Day I relive that day in my mind and my love for them just grows.

I've also been privileged enough to get to visit our Nation's Capital twice in my life and you can't visit Arlington Cemetery and not fall in love with the meaning of Memorial Day. I've never personally known anyone who has died in a war, but I do have lots of friends and even some family who are in the military. It is absolutely amazing what they do for our country and I am so thankful for their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families. I can't imagine what they have to go through.

So as you are enjoying the nice weather and your time off this weekend, I hope you will also remember those who have sacrificed for our country as well as those you have loved who are no longer here, or those you may know who have lost loved ones. After all, that is what Memorial Day is all about.