Dear Michael Barbour,
Like most of you, I am looking forward to this weekend and the community display of patriotism. Families will gather for cookouts and fireworks, and parades will bring people together all over the country.
As I started to pull my thoughts together for this month’s message, I struggled to not sound cliché.
Memorial Day is a day designated to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Freedom does come at great cost. And we do indeed live in the land of the free, because of the brave. But this week, I had the honor to spend some time with a Gold Star Mother, and although her son died more than 15 years ago, he is ever-present when we are together.
She shared some of the planned upcoming events to remember and honor her son, and as she was talking what I already knew was reconfirmed. For her, every day is Memorial Day, and for me witnessing her life’s mission to keep his memory alive fueled my commitment to the WAA mission, my admiration for this mom, and my love for my country.
I was asked in an interview this week what I would ask people to do on Memorial Day. In retrospect, I would say it is important to honor and remember those who died, but also it is so important to take time to learn about their lives. Put a face with the name in your mind and encourage others to do the same…make it personal.
Memorial Day is a day when people come together to remember those who died in service to our country, but also to remind us of the liberty and blessings we enjoy at their expense.
If you take time to meet and know Gold Star families and their loved ones stories, that feeling of pride and patriotism will become a part of your daily walk and stay in your heart long after the parade.
Remember - Honor - Teach
With gratitude,