Memorial Day, 2013.

Hot dogs.  Hamburgers.  Ribs.  Pool Parties.  Music.  Baseball.  Indy 500.  Cloaked in the guise of forms of “celebration” –  these, in fact, are acts of the very freedom we enjoy as a result of those we are called to remember.  Even…and especially…our ability to fly the Stars & Stripes – yet another freedom gained and retained thanks to those who have served and fallen.

According to Wikipedia, 1,321,612 Americans have died, 1,531,036 have been wounded, and 38,159 remain missing as a result of their fight for freedom and against tyranny.

And so, I wonder… As we relax and enjoy an elongated weekend…As we “celebrate” and tap our feet to the music while wiping the de-cobbed corn from our chin…As we pour a cold beverage…As we splash in the pool…As we cheer our favorite team or driver on…Do we remember?  Have we remembered sufficiently?

Pause.  Reflect.  Give thanks.

And recall that, as we enjoy this day, there are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines standing guard even today – so that we may be free.

Finally, may we give thanks and glory to God.  For, it is through Him that we know and enjoy all things…including and especially our greatest freedom.

As our first U.S. President, George Washington noted…“While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not be inattentive to the higher duties of religion.  To the distinguished character of Patriot it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.”

God bless America.  Never Forget.   Thank you, Veterans.

Peace.

T.