MEMORIAL DAY

*From May 27

One of my uncles was wounded — somewhere in Germany; Friday the 13th of April, 1944 — during WWII. Two others served during the Korean Conflict.

I have a good friend, from my hometown in Missouri, who watched several of his buddies die in Vietnam. He escaped death, but not the tormenting memories.

There are many names that come to my mind of men and women — still young — who have served, and are still serving, in various parts of the world…keeping watch over us. Over me. Risking it all to help protect our freedom. Yours, and mine.

I wish I could look each one in the eye today, and say, simply, “Thank you.” What else CAN you say?

But…today is actually not about them. Today is Memorial Day.

Today, I’m thinking about the young men who went ashore on Normandy…and didn’t make it. To stop a madman bent on ruling the world.

I’m thinking about the kids — Darrell’s friends — who died in a jungle on the other side of the world…scared, isolated from their families, hoping for a way out that didn’t come. It was a controversial war, but they died fighting for their country. Our country.

I’m thinking about the men and women — Americans, of every color, race, religion…it doesn’t matter — who have died in various parts of the Middle East since the towers came down on 9/11/2001.

I hate politics. I really do. Maybe it’s a necessary evil. Maybe it doesn’t have to be evil. I don’t know.

What I do know is necessary is that in this world we need men & women who are willing to protect our freedom, no matter what the risks are…no matter what the costs. I’m thankful for those brave people.

I’m grateful for the ones —the ultimate heroes — who died for our country. They deserve to be remembered. I’m thinking about them. I hope you are, too. ❤️😢🙏

I love you all.