Just as today marks an unofficial start to summer; it's more importantly a time to remember and thank the men and women who have served and died in service to our country.
It's a commemoration claimed by several cities as the birthplace of what was first called "Decoration Day." A column at TIME.com notes Charleston, SC may have started it when the town's black residents landscaped a burial ground to honor 257 Union soldiers who died there as prisoners of war.
Legion and VFW members; other veterans; family; friends; and citizens are gathering (or should take a moment) to honor and acknowledge the sacrifice of the men and women who died in the line of duty and those who served, returned home and served here.
You won't find any more surviving veterans of World War I (1914 - 1918). Surviving veterans of World War II and Korea are leaving us rapidly. One of the greatest parts of my current work is getting to know the men and women who served and sacrificed in WWII before coming back to resume their lives.
Whether it was service to the Grand Army of the Republic or serving today in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, or Navy these men and women deserve our appreciation.
We may not have agreed with the decision that put them in harm's way, but the question is not whether the service men and women agreed... it's that they served.
For their service, during war or peacetime, deserve our thanks.Thanks for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the men and women serving today.
We should also thank their families - the spouses keeping the home fires burning while juggling extra roles; the parents concerned for their son or daughter; and the children who miss mom or dad.
We can offer thank you in the most heartfelt way simply by remembering.
Thank you.
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