Memorial Day - Everyday

The reason for Memorial Day is to remember fallen while in Military service to their country, here in the US.

Personally, my opinion is that it is to remember any service member. Fallen or otherwise. The Fallen are in a better place - and the memories of who they where and what they accomplished is not anything that should be forgotten or tossed aside. Who better to remember those that fell then those who are left to tell their stories? The ones Who Remain Behind. How many times do we hear about veterans from ANY conflict that are left with survivors guilt because they did not bring everyone home? Or because they couldn't do something more for those they where trying to help? These men and women should not be remembered on separate days - Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Their stories intertwine. You can not tell one with out the other.

More so this year, but every year since my husband enlisted in the Navy, Memorial Day and Veteran's Day takes on a whole new meaning to me. Sure, I have family who proudly served their country in generations before where I stand. My Uncle was a POW in Korea - he was and is forever changed by his experiences that he had. However - he would not be here with out those that fell around him. I may not know those men but I remember them. And I thank them. My husband's squadron lost 3 sailors this year. At first we mourned them. Now we remember them. I thank them. I thank them for the courage they had to go fearlessly into the great unknown. I thank them for their abilities and the lives they touched where ever they went and those they worked with. My husband was touched in many ways - some good some a little horrifying at the time. But now he stands a better man, a stronger man, a stronger SAILOR because of what he learned from the men who fell around him.

Don't just remember The Fallen - Remember those Who Remain Behind. They all tell parts of the bigger story.