Memorial Day

Many years ago, I used to work for the city where I grew up. We did everything from mowing grass, to digging graves at the cemetery.  I was asked to work in the office at the cemetery on Memorial Day for a couple of years, and my only job on those days was to sit in the office, and help direct families to the sites where their loved ones were buried.

Often times the families, be them widows, children, or grandchildren would stop into the office, and tell me the story of their loved ones. I heard stories of exceptional bravery, heroism, and patriotism. Men who faced the toughest of adversity, and had the strength to prevail. I was told that we had veterans from every major conflict, from the civil war through present day buried in our little cemetery.

I never served in the military. One thing lead to another and I found myself in a college classroom while many of my friends went off to war. Thankfully, those close to me have all come back, but the same cannot be said about many others.

On this Memorial Day, I want to extend my greatest gratitude to those who have fought and died to keep all of us, and future generations safe at home. Thank you.