Memorial Day is not about the start to summer. It’s not about retail sales. It’s not about a day off. Believe me, I at one time was guilty of not understanding the true meaning of the day. Prior to marrying my husband, a United States Marine Corps infantry major, Memorial Day was just another day off to me. A day to plan picnics and spend time with family and friends.
However, after two tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan, the day has a total different meaning for both of us. Having lost friends and colleagues in both wars, my husband and I now know the true meaning of the day.
While we typically don’t attend the Memorial Day fan fare, mainly because it is too emotional, I always take a few minutes of the day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to remember the families who continue to endure the hardship.
In memory of my husband’s friends, we will never forget their courage and dedication to our country:
Capt Phillip Dykeman, USMC
Capt John Maloney, USMC
1st Lt Joshua Palmer, USMC
MSgt Thomas Saunders, USMC
SSgt Joshua Cullins, USMC
SSG Kyle Wehrly, USA
Sgt Garrett Misener
Sgt Joshua Frazier, USMC
Cpl Carlos Gilorozco, USMC
Cpl Brett Lundstorm, USMC
SPC Daniel Sesker, USA
Cpl Joshua Synder, USMC
LCpl Timothy Jackson, USMC
LCpl Dakota Huse, USMC
LCpl Michael Geary
LCpl Terry Honeycutt
LCpl Kyle Brown, USMC
LCpl Joshua Scott, USMC
The Memorial Day Foundation provides a short list of ideas on how to remember:
• By visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
• By flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Memorial Day is a day of “National Mourning.”
• By attending religious services of your choice.
• By visiting memorials.
• By participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m. local time, to pause and think upon the meaning of the day and for taps to be played where possible.
• By renewing a pledge to aid the widows, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.
While it doesn’t matter how you remember, just take the time to remember those who have sacrificed their freedom for yours, your family, your children and their children. The world is a better place because of these heroes.
