Memorial Day 2018

I never served in the military.  My father served for 39 months during World War II, but was never in harm's way.  He was in the navy, stationed in California.   Had President Truman not ended the war in Auguts 1945, I think it is likely that he would have been sent to join in an invasion of Japan.

Because I have not served, and no one in my close circle is in the military, it is difficult for me to grasp the full depth and meaning of Memorial Day - a day that the nation honors and remembers its sons and daughters who have served, been wounded and have fallen.

Arlington National Cemetary

I try to connect with the experience as best as I can.   I watch, I read and I listen.  I recently watched Ken Burn's monumental documentary, The Vietnam War, trying to absorb its lessons.  But, I realize that I am still a spectator who will never comprehend the experience as the actual participants and their loved ones appreciate.

I have been honored to have served many men in The Greatest Generation.  One man fought in the Battle of the Bulge, one was wounded on Iwo Jima and another was in Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

While we can never fully repay the debt that we owe to our veterans and to those in active service today - nor do they ask for this - we can pause together to remember and honor them all.