Long weekends

Another 3 day weekend is upon us. This time it's Memorial Day. People are scurrying about loading up on items for the grill - hot dogs, burgers, and the accompanying condiments. Others, of course, are headed out to lakes, campgrounds, beaches, or other places of enjoyment or relaxation. Still others will toil in their yards, getting rid of the weeds that have popped up during the spring, or landscaping, or doing that long put-off project around the house.

All of that is well and good, but, like most holidays, the reason behind them rarely gets remembered. Or, if it does, it is fleeting at best. A brief thought. A glance at the news where a sound bite, or a picture of some happening commemorates the reason for the holiday. Then it's back to the fun or the project.

This Memorial Day, however, wouldn't it be nice if everyone just stopped for more than a minute to think about what this "Holiday" is all about. Back when this old fart was but a youngster, this holiday was known as "Decoration Day". Regardless of the name, the day is set aside to honor the brave men and women who over our more than 200 years, have fought and died to secure the freedom of the United States of America. Over 1.3 million of our brave people have died in this endeavor. As we are still involved in wars today - and likely will be in the future - more of our citizens will die protecting us. So, setting aside a day - and more than a few minutes to honor those who have given their life for our freedoms, doesn't seem to be a stretch to me.

In fact, we should honor more than just the memory of those who died in wars protecting us. Everyone who has served in one of our many wars deserves our thanks and praise. Countless thousands of brave men and women have protected us, and have been wounded - either physically or psychologically. Others came through their time in wars seemingly unscathed. But, as many have attested, war changes those who experience it. We must never forget that. Or those who have served.

So, to all those folks who are planning their fun weekend, or going to complete that long-delayed project, don't forget that your 3-day weekend wouldn't have been possible without the sacrifices of the people who have fought and died to enable you to have this time off. Stop for more than a minute and reflect on those people who cannot experience what you are about to. And say a prayer for their families who have had to live without them.

Old Fart Mike