REFLECTIONS ON MEMORIAL DAY

Remember the true meaning of this day.

Remember the true

 

I smell the hickory smoke of the barbeque. 
I hear children running around at play. 
They are lost in exultation because school is out today. 
I hear my next door neighbors laughing. 
They casually drain their bottles of beer. 
Some talk and laugh about the summer movies. 
They speculate on the biggest money maker this year. 

Yet I sit in contemplation... 
I have very few words to say. 
I am thinking about my lost friends... 

Those who will never see this Memorial Day. 

I can't help thinking about the battles. 
I can't help ponder the gains. 
I can't shake the thoughts of the soldiers... 
Those who gave all in freedom's name. 

I don't mind eating barbeque. 
I know what films will be released. 
I would just prefer my brothers were all here... 
Home with their families enjoying some peace. 

We forget that Memorial Day is a time to simply reflect. 
A time to celebrate unselfish sacrifice. 
A day to honor those who gave us their best. 
It is a time reflective celebration for the sacrifice of war. 
A moment to thank those long forgotten soldiers. 
A day to cherish those lying silent in foreign shores. 
It's not about the parades, or the summer sales it brings. 

It's about those heroes of sacrifice that gave all for the American Dream. 

Too many of us enjoy the barbeque. 
We exalt only in the summer levity in the air. 
Mindlessly prancing around in own oblivion. 
Only thinking about what swimsuit to wear.
We simply neglect this days true meaning. 
Ignoring the point as we go on our way. 
Forgetting the sacrifice of the military.
Those heroes who will never see this day. 

So, I sit here and I pray for them... 
To God that gives man dreams. 
I pray the he enlightens them.
I pray they remember what today means. 
I pray for that deployed Airman, or that Marine on patrol. 
I pray that God protects them and brings them back safe and whole. 
I pray for the Soldier's and Sailor's families who wait for them to come home. 
I pray that God strengthens them and never lets them feel alone. 

I ultimately pray on this Memorial Day that people truly understand: 
You can enjoy the beginning of summer but first celebrate these fine men. 
Take the time to ponder, and thank those dutiful few. 
Those who sacrifice their lives daily for freedom...
The same freedom enjoyed this summer while you do everything you do. 

© 2013 Eddie Phillips

Reviews

[Tate Morgan]

Written on my birthday very apropos It is always nice to see tributes to our men and women 100100

[Baby Ricochet]

Thank you brother. Thank you

[Eileenws]

Eddie, Great job in telling what Memorial Day is and the civilians who are enjoying the day, not comprehending the sacrifices. You do a great job in getting your point across about the price of freedom. Eileen