Thank You

To those who have given their lives, or had their lives taken from them (as Andy Rooney said on 60 Minutes), in defense of our country, in defense of our liberties. Thank you is so little, yet it is all I can think of to say. Thank you also, for the sacrifice of their families, who never again will hear that beloved voice, feel that cherished hug, see that beloved face, of their husband, wife, son, daughter, father, or mother. Aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, grandchild, friend. The relationships broken apart by war are endless. The reality of war profane. I hate it. I think we all hate it. None more so than those who endure it firsthand, in service of their country, in honor of their families and loved ones.

My own family history of death in war is thankfully fairly brief. My step-mother’s first husband died in Vietnam. My Grandmother’s Grandfather died in the Civil War. We’ve had many who went to war, but we’ve fortunately been spared. I do know that these two deaths were felt deeply, and caused ripples of pain and sorrow that they probably could not have imagined.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day. Remember those lives lost in service of our country. Most recently, the many thousands in Iraq and Afghanistan, but really, all of them.