“I love the stars and stripes of our United States flag. You couldn't tell the ordinary man what a feeling it gives you to be in the army and march with a large group of soldiers or see the flag come by and hear the band playing the National Anthem. It will make your flesh crawl, and you would die for that flag and what it stands for. Before I became a soldier, I didn't realize what the flag means to me, but I sure do realize it now. That is something I will remember as long as I live. That is something every soldier will remember throughout his life and will be proud of the fact that he served in the U.S. Army, what the flag represented, and the freedom that it stands for. The freedom that our forefathers fought for, us boys will hold that freedom regardless of how much blood it costs us.” -Ester Ray, US Army-World War II 3rd Army European Theater 80th Infantry Division E
This is from a framed letter that my American history teacher brought to class on Memorial Day during my senior year of high school. Every year I always share it in hopes that someone gains even the smallest amount of empathy for the men and women that have taken the oath of a lifetime to serve our country. Now more than ever empathy is a concept that needs to be shared throughout the world. Having a true understanding of what someone has gone or is going through. The men and women who have fought and died for our rights and our freedoms, do not receive enough gratitude from us free citizens and people lack empathy every year during this weekend, in my humble opinion.
Memorial Day is not a day of discounts, It is a day to honor those who have paid the ultimate price, it is a day to show our respect to the spouses and children that are still dealing with their tragic loss. On this day we as free citizens should be grateful for the freedom and rights that the fallen have fought for us to hold close, though we all should be this way not just one day of the year but every day we can and should hold that tight in our hearts. As we gather with friends, family, and our communities may we take the time to honor the fallen, to reflect on our freedoms, to never forget their names, and most importantly to ensure that their sacrifice was not for nothing.
To those who on this day remember a loved one, know that you are not alone and know that the fallen are still here with us in spirit and that even though it may be difficult to see, there are Americans that are aware of your sacrifices as spouses and as children of a fallen hero.
To us free citizens that put our flag on our boats, cars, and in our backyards this weekend. Please remember that each day we live is a gift from the fallen and each smile that is upon our faces is from another's tears.
