Memorial Day is always special to me. I think of the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of knowing and loving who are no longer with us. I remember family who have served, along with all the others who’ve made it possible for me to share this day with my wife and son. And I remember two special individuals with whom I share an exclusive bond. There is not a day goes by I do not remember you…
No matter how much I write, I’m always at a loss on Memorial Day. It seems I can never find just the right words. Having said that, I posted a picture on Facebook on Friday that was originally posted by one of my “Twitter” friends. It was a photograph of a women lying on the grave of who was most likely her soldier husband, with an outstretched arm and gently touching his headstone. I have seen similar photos in the past, but this one just nailed me right in the gut. I thought of all the lost holidays, birthdays and special moments, and I could literally feel a pain I am all too familiar with as if it happened yesterday. I shared it in order to convey the sacrifice borne by our military for the sake of “We the People”, but also to remind folks there are some things in this life worth dying for. Now I know this is not a 21st Century concept to be sure, but for those who understand freedom. But someone took me by surprise when he commented on the post stating only, “senseless death”. Normally, I am not moved unnecessarily by the things people comment about my writing. Frankly, one must have quite a thick skin to do what I do, especially around the North East where I’m from. But on this day, the hair on the back of my neck stood up as I contemplated how little some in our country truly understand of our heritage and creed. So from my basement, and just recovering from the floor after working on my “sick” water heater (again), I quickly punched out the following on my trustworthy iPhone. I later realized, (after many positive comments from some true Patriots), it said it all… Be safe this Memorial Day weekend friends, and please join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for the brave men and women of the United States Military.
– To see a world without the necessity of these brave souls and their sacrifices, is self-induced blindness to fact and reason. We may debate the politics to a fault, but reality reaches back to our beginnings. No matter your stripes, you should understand the historical cause of this great nation, and mind the cost of your liberty and security… Fred Comella
