This posting isn’t business related, nor about politics. Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring our heroes and nothing more need be added on.
Members of my family have served, and died, for this country since the Civil War. From Private Amos Barrett of the 74th Pennsylvania Regiment Company E, and Isaac Bannon of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment Company H (died July 26, 1864 in Alexandria) of the Union Army [both said to be members of our family tree, though I haven't been able to personally confirm this] to several family members serving today. I grew up listening to how a torpedo struck my Grandfather’s ship during WWII and left a piece of metal in his back that was buried with him 40 years later. I heard first hand accounts of the Normandy beach assault (made infamous in the film, Saving Private Ryan). I watched Viet Nam unfold on the nightly news with my parents while my Uncle and cousin, along with countless neighbors and family friends were serving in uniform, and spent my entire childhood wondering why the grown men in my family broke into tears at the very sound of Taps, even from just being played on a T.V. show. And as I grew up I came to understand what my Grandfather meant when he used to say war should never be glamorized.
I look upon those who serve their country with great pride, and I honor the sacrifices made by not only the soldiers, but also their families at home.
Still, I have never been able to say “Happy Memorial Day” to anyone. That these sacrifices were and are needed from our brave men and women is one of the saddest realities we live with in my mind, and while I’m proud and honored to be from such a strong line of patriots who were [and are still] always ready when their country called upon them, I’m unhappy to know that far too often those calls to duty will just keep coming.
If you would like more information on ways that you can honor and remember our fallen heroes check out www.usmemorialday.org
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