Happy Memorial Day! At least my celebration can be happy. I'm sitting in my own home that I was free to have had built and to buy, looking out a window at a tree that I was free to plant with my own hands, in a yard that I am free to trim and mow, and will later today be free to grill chicken and burgers while the kids freely play games in the yard. I'm sure the redundant words have already made the point I'm trying to make.
We get so caught up in the fun and games of having a day off from the regular requirements of life and often forget the reason for the day. There are many such days that we often forget about their real meaning and purpose. With each of them, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, etc. there is something to remember. Memorial Day is no different.
This was driven home to me recently in a conversation with my mother. She told me about an experience my father had on the USS Cleveland during WWII. My dad is no longer with us, and though he had told many stories about his experience in the Navy, he had never told this one. I guess he was either trying to forget a bad memory or shield his children from some of the worst parts of war.
They had received word of another vessel that had been attacked by Japanese war planes. The ship was disabled and had suffered horrific casualties. The Cleveland was dispatched to rescue and recover. They found it floating listlessly at sea. After survivors were brought aboard, a detail was sent to board the ship for clean up. My dad was assigned that detail. He reported to my mother that as they boarded the damaged vessel, death and destruction became immediately evident. Blood smeared the decks along with body parts strewn everywhere. Piece by piece they filled bags and then proceeded to wash the evidence of death off the decks and into the sea. Some really do make the ultimate sacrifice.
This experience apparently had a profound influence on my father. He told my mom that from then on he did all he could to become an officer so he could void such a detail in the future. He did eventually become a Chief Petty Officer, but never said whether he had suffered such a detail again. Obviously, war is a terrible thing and best to be avoided if possible. But sometimes there is no other option. My dad was a proud veteran. He fought in one of those wars that could not be avoided. He did his patriotic duty and survived as a patriotic American for the rest of his life.
So, again, Happy Memorial Day! If for just a moment, take a little time to remember what this day is all about. If nothing else, think about my dad and the many who sacrificed all for the freedom, liberty, and hope of this nation that we still enjoy.
And then, while you think of those who gave their lives for this most important cause... think of ways you can live for it.
