Thoughts on Memorial Day

 By Richard Norman

As we approach this weekend, most people are excited about the arrival of summer, students are excited about the end of school, others just appreciate having a long weekend.  While I am all for warm weather and long weekends, it is my hope that people will take a moment to remember what it is we celebrate this weekend.

I come from a long line of veterans.  My great, great, great, grandfather fought to defend his homeland in the South Carolina militia during the War Between the States.  He lost two brothers in The Wilderness Campaign in Virginia.  My grandfather fought in The War to End All Wars in the US Army.  He was wounded and nearly bled to death in the Battle of Argon Forest in France.  My father enlisted in the US Army during World War II but was not able to get to Europe before the war was ended in 1945.  I was too young to go to Vietnam and when I completed college in 1979, our nation was enjoying a time of peace and the services were down-sizing.

I always admired soldiers and wish that I had taken that path in my own life.  Not necessarily to go to war, but at least to have the opportunity to serve.  I appreciate the selflessness of national service.  Today, I am very proud to have a nephew in the Army, and a niece who is getting ready to enlist.

To me, Memorial Day is the one day all year that we should stop and remember all those who gave the last full measure, their very lives, to advance the cause of freedom.

So to those who gave all… my thoughts are with you this weekend.  And to all our veterans, living and dead, I say a sincere and heartfelt, Thank you!

You can read Richard’s blog here.