Memorial Day

What does Memorial Day mean to you? Does it mean a three day weekend, end of school classes, family reunions, or is it just another day?

The official Wikipedia definition of Memorial Day: A United States federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May (on May 25 in 2009). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

For me Memorial Day holds many special meanings.

For as far back as I can remember the Bennett family has held a reunion in the East Texas piney woods town of Elkhart, TX. Aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, in-laws and a few outlaws have gathered at the farm to visit and catch up on the latest in family news. We have kept the memories of family members who were no longer with us alive while sitting under the big oak in the yard with a glass of sweet tea or while walking around the cemetery at Pilgrim Church reading headstones and passing family history on to the youngsters.

I also remember back to school times when Memorial Day was the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. The excitement I felt at thinking about the fun we would have without the daily grind of school. From visiting the farm with Daddy to spending time with my god parents in SE Louisiana, to finding a cool spot to relax and read a book , to just lie on the grass picking out cloud formations that looked like animals, I did enjoy my summers.

I will spend Memorial Day 2009 in NE Mississippi and not at the farm in Texas with family. I have not made many plans for the weekend, if the weather allows it Marty and I will work in the yard on Saturday and I will be attending church services on Sunday and will certainly spend time reading a book and enjoying some fun with my dogs. But I will also take time to remember our fallen heroes, those wonderful men and women who have given their lives for our country in lands far from home. I will remember growing up with Steve. The football games he organized, the bowling tips he gave me and the times I know that I frustrated him to the nth degree, like a good little sister should. I will remember the day that we received the call telling of his death. The days afterward when we wished that the call had never come.

I can never again hear the strains of Taps playing in the distance without remembering that day, with family and friends standing near, when we said goodbye. I know that I am not alone, there are many who have lost family in the service of their country. Let us not forget these brave warriors. Let us hold them close and thank them for their sacrifices.

I know that I will stop for a few moments this weekend to say a special prayer in memory of our brave soldiers, airmen, marines, and sailors. Will you? Will you remember the brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice? Will you remember the families who stood in cemeteries around the world and said goodbye?

It only takes a moment. They gave a lifetime.