Memorial Day

[wahunterinrok]

Growing up, I never really understood Memorial day, I just knew it was a 4 day weekend, one that we would always try and go swimming, no matter how cold the weather.
When I joined the Army in 97, it opened up a new part of a relationship with my grandfather, a WW2 vet, and it opened my eyes more to what the day meant.
Now after 9-11, and multiple tours to Iraq and leaving very soon for Afghanistan, I feel I fully understand Memorial Day. The shock of reading a Memorial day article about fallen Soldiers and recognizing names, Speaking at the Memorial Service for one of your own Soldiers, A Soldier who you had been his Platoon Sergeant for 5 years. The time I now take every April 10th to think about the five Soldiers who died fighting in Mosul in 2009 of who some were very close friends.
For me this Memorial Day is a day I take a moment and thank SFC Pearrow, SFC Hall, SSG Woods, SGT Fernandez, SGT Forrest, CPL Pautch and PFC Gautier for their ultimate sacrifice for us and our way of life "No Greater love can one man have than to lay down his love for his brothers"

[papajohnabi]

A very nice Memorial Day message. Thank you for your service and thank you for remembering the fallen (which this day is really all about). John