Memorial Day 2009

Today is a day of remembrance...

But what do most of us remember about Memorial Day's of the past....

Swimming (yep that is what my kids will remember about this day off from school)

BBQs

The beginnings of vacations (for a few years, I was at the airport on Memorial day; Australia in 2000, LA 2001 (I believe picking up Rochelle), somewhere else 2002...)

But how often do we stop and remember all those lives taken (just listened to Andy Rooney say that they were not "lives given up, but taken").

My father was one of the fortunate ones...His life was spared, but how many friends did he lose, how many memories does he have..

There are others who I try to remember to Thank on Memorial Day (Mitch taught me this practice years ago). 3 of my 4 grandparents fought in WWII and I was fortunate enough to know all of them. Grandpa Miller (aka G-Papa) Grandma Miller (a member of WAC And Grandpa Leister (sorry can't find the picture)

But what about all those we don't know therefore can not remember....(photo of some survivors of the Spanish American War)

I hope each of you takes a moment today to remember why it is so great to be Americans and enjoy the freedoms we do have.....