Happy Memorial Day

We only have a few national celebrations that honor the troops who defend us and our freedoms. Veteran's Day and Memorial Day are the biggest. Generally there are some local parades where the VFW and vets turn out to march and wave to martial music.

Memorial Day is a day to remember. To think back. To honor the sacrifices of previous generations and THIS generation. When I was a kid, one of the things that seemed to be very prevalent in all families were unmarried women of a certain age. Everyone had a 'maiden aunt'. When you chatted with these delightful old ladies, you often heard about the boyfriend/fiancee/husband who went away to war and never came back. I had one woman tell me that not enough men came back at all. Their generation became 'woman heavy' leaving many who would have chosen otherwise to remain unmarried.

We often think of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who pay the ultimate sacrifice. We don't often think about the loved ones who live a long, long life affected by that person's sacrifice. Many people, many families are impacted by war. Every generation has had some adverse impacts stemming from politicians and governments arguing land boundaries, systems of government and civil rights.

Memorial Day is a good day to think of all the sacrifices made by all Americans in pursuit of our freedoms. So here's to the decorated soldiers filling our national cemeteries. Here's to the women who lived full lives missing a man and had to make do with mothering other people's children. Here's to the parents who outlived a youngster who wanted to serve his country. Here's to the veterans who come home and can never regain that innocent sense of duty. Here's to the veterans who lost use of their limbs, or who suffer from brain damage or emotional problems stemming from their honorable service.

Here's to the men and women on duty today, making sure that our freedoms are protected. Our purple mountains majesty and amber waves of grain would not be safe without your dedication and service. Thank you.

--Sandee Wagner