Is Memorial Day... Happy?

I heard someone ask, "Is it okay to say Happy Memorial Day?" it got me thinking

I thought about the fields of the American Revolution that broke us free from King George, the trenches of World War I;  the beaches of Normandy and the liberation of Nazi Germany in World War II, the frozen hills of Korea and the jungles of Vietnam; the deserts of the Gulf War, the streets of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan — and now the theater of Iran 

Generation after generation of BRAVE Americans were drafted or stepped forward when their country needed, carrying the burden of freedom far from home.

Today, about 0.4% of Americans serve on active duty, and roughly 6–7% of adults are veterans.

Since the founding of our nation, an estimated 1.0–1.3 million Americans have died in uniform across wars and conflicts. 

Since 2001 alone, more than 150,000 and possibly many more veterans have died by suicide.  A reminder that the war does not always end when the fighting stops.

Behind those numbers are families, communities, and a nations history written in sacrifice.

Hundreds of thousands of Gold Star families scattered through out America— these parents, spouses, children, and siblings carry that unbearable loss every single day

For those who served, there is a final formality one day—the DD214

A piece of paper that marks the end of service and summarizes all you did

But what never ends is the reminder of who was taken and those bonds formed on foreign lands 

Some will spend today visiting graves, folding flags, sending texts that may never be answered. Scrolling through a phone and seeing names of a brother gone too soon. 

Some will be calling parents, spouses, and children holding back tears.

Some will party likes its 1999!

Some will do ALL THE ABOVE!

Some will sit in silence and avoid the painful reminder of WHO today represents.

Memorial Day is not just any holiday. It is a reminder that WAR is always costly—even when necessary. 

It leaves gaps that never fully close, and stories that will never finish being told! 

And when words alone can’t merely comfort or fill the void. Actions can do more.

How you treat your fellow American and how we as a nation carry forward this responsibility of FREEDOM and the memory of those who built it

Today…. I hope you Live, Love and Remember in a way that you feel honors our nations Heroes 

So if you’re wondering whether it’s okay to say “Happy Memorial Day….”

I think It’s a day of remembrance FIRST. Gratitude ALWAYS and Yes… 

HAPPINESS 

Because 250 years have gone by….  And we’re still here... Able to live in these free United States of America

A Nation gifted to us by those who gave EVERYTHING

To all our brothers and sisters looking down from above. THANK YOU!

Happy Memorial Day 🇺🇸