It Takes A Nation

As another Memorial Day comes to a close, I'd like to take some time to offer some heartfelt 'thank yous' to everyone who makes this day possible.

To the countless men and women in uniform who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation by paying the ultimate price, thank you.  Freedom is not free.  

To the families of those who have lost loved ones while defending our nation, thank you.  Your sorrow is not in vain.

To all the brave men and women currently in uniform, over seas or on domestic shores, thank you.

To all the veterans still living who risked their lives defending our country, who may have witnessed hell on earth in order to protect loved ones back home, thank you.

To the families of all active duty personnel, who must go about their daily lives with a knot in your gut, we thank you.

To those involved in the thousands of memorial day services throughout this nation, either as organizers, or speakers, or flag bearers, or choral or band members, we thank you.  

To all those who did not get this day off from work, but went to work joyfully, knowing that your dedication and drive makes this nation great, thank you.

To all those who did not get this day off from work and were pretty ticked off about it, because about everyone you knew was going to the lake, so instead of really giving it your all you just kind of dialed it in, well, we thank you, too.  At least you generated some tax dollars.

To all those who did get this day off from work and spent some of your leisure time attending a nearby Memorial Day service in order to pay  respect to those who fought, killed and died for you, thank you. It's a small gesture, but one that is appreciated.

To all those who did get this day off from work but did not attend a nearby Memorial Day service in order to pay respect to those who fought, killed and died for you, but instead spent the day engaging in economy-enhancing leisure, such as golfing, or water skiing, or traveling, or shopping, we thank you, too.  Spending money is patriotic, right?

In closing, in takes a nation to celebrate a holiday such as Memorial Day.  Fortunately for all of us, there are those among us who chose not to celebrate at various times in their life and instead served for the greater good.  We truly are eternally grateful.

Even the ones who just went shopping.