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Memorial Day Reflections

May 24, 2012 By 1 Comment

With a warm and genuine smile on her face, the receptionist wished me a “Happy Memorial Day” as I left the doctor’s office.  I can only imagine the expression that must have come across my face.  My good manners kicked in and I managed to choke out a “You too,” as I walked out of the office, but my mind was screaming,  “What, exactly, is it that you find HAPPY about Memorial Day?”

I remember a time in my life when I was personally unaffected by the tragedy of war and had basically been brainwashed by our society to think that Memorial Day was simply a holiday marking the beginning of summer, picnics, barbecues, and the promise of bargains to be found by serious shoppers.  That time, however, was long ago.

Now, after ten long years of war, Memorial Day’s meaning has changed for me.  I’ve watched my son go to war.  I’ve watched him mourn the loss of his battle buddies.  I’ve watched my friends bury their sons and husbands.

Now, as I walk alongside those who must continue on, despite the loss of the one who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, I find it extremely difficult to understand how anyone could combine the word “happy” with Memorial Day, and yet I realize that those who have sacrificed for our freedoms would want us to enjoy this holiday weekend.  If asked, they would want us to honor their lives by enjoying American pastimes and spending time with family and friends.  After all, they fought and died so we could live.

As we head into this holiday weekend, let’s celebrate the freedoms and the blessings we have been given as Americans, but let us not forget who made living this American Dream a reality.  Don’t let this weekend pass without taking the time to honor those who stood in the gap and paid the ultimate price on our behalf.

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About Beth

I have what I consider to be the best job on the planet. I have the privilege of supporting and encouraging the brave men and women who were the uniform of the US military. I did not set out to start a nonprofit organization, I simply did what came naturally when my son joined the US Marine Corps in 2004. I followed my mother’s heart.

As the mother of three boys, I spent countless hours as home school mom, room mother, team mother, and parent volunteer. One day I found myself to be the adopted platoon mom to a unit of Marines. What started out as a mother sending care packages to her son has turned into a fast-growing nonprofit that keeps me busy day and night, and I love every minute of it!

When I mailed the first care package several years ago, I had no idea that I would have an opportunity to send out thousands of care packages each year and become an advocate for Wounded Warriors and Veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. When I became the mother of a disabled veteran suffering with TBI and PTSD, and saw, firsthand, the struggles and the needs, I knew it was my obligation to support those who have been willing to stand in the gap for my freedom. It’s the least I can do to say thanks.

I work with various programs in our community, as well as other advocates and organizations to meet the needs of our military and veteran population in Central Kentucky. I also have the privilege of serving on the board at Voice of Warriors and enjoy hosting VOW Talk Radio’s weekly program on Monday nights.

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  1. Reflections on Memorial Day says:
    May 24, 2012 at 8:18 am

    [...] article was originally published by the author here. Filed Under: Reflections and Opinions, Stars and Stripes Tagged With: Fallen [...]

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