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Memorial Day


Patricia Johns

I was raised a pacifist. In the church I grew up in, we were told inspirational stories about men like Desmond Doss who chose not to carry a gun in World War II. He was a conscientious objector and an army medic.

I was an adult before I realized that the only reason Desmond Doss survived long enough to save all those men was because of his brothers-at-arms who used their guns in his defense.

I still believe in peace and I hate war, but I have a deep appreciation for the men and women who serve in the armed forces and defend the liberties we so often take for granted. Peace comes with a price.

Our society is even a little bored! We obsess over silly things because we can. And I’m grateful for that. Every time I see some ridiculous outrage on Twitter, I think, “We’re lucky enough that we don’t have bigger worries than these.”

So thank you to those of you who served, to those of you who supported family members who served, and to the armed forces who protect us.

I mean, maybe fewer Twitter fiascos would be a good thing, but, you know what? We are fortunate and blessed. And I’m thankful.

Patricia Bradley

My Dad and my husband fought in WWII. Close friends died in Vietnam. My former brother-in-law still has to have shrapnel dug out of his body from being shot in 'Nam. And his son has spina bifida caused by being sprayed with Agent Orange in Vietnam.

To those who gave their lives so that we might have freedom, thank you seems so little to say. May we always remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.


Comments

  1. Virginia McCulloughMay 27, 2019 at 6:50 AM

    Thanks for the post--I've always been uneasy that Memorial Day has come to be viewed as the kickoff of summer. Regardless of our personal views of any particular war or conflict, I think it's important we remember the more than 1 million men and women (and their families) whose lives were lost in U.S. wars alone.

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  2. Janice CarterMay 27, 2019 at 8:24 AM

    My grandfather was 17 when he fought at Vimy Ridge (lying about his age to enlist) and my father only 19 when he enlisted and was a pilot in WWII. They gave up a few years of their youth to fight. I remember their service with pride every year on Nov. 11. Thanks for the reminders, ladies, about the costs of war.

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    Replies
    1. Patricia BradleyMay 27, 2019 at 9:33 AM

      Janice, I watched the Memorial Day Tribute on PBS last night and couldn't keep from tearing up several times.

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    2. PattyMay 27, 2019 at 9:54 AM

      It took a lot of bravery for them to step up and protect not only their country, but the Jewish people all over Europe in WWII. And because of them, we have freedom today.

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  3. Beth CarpenterMay 27, 2019 at 8:32 AM

    Thank you for this, and thanks to everyone who lived or died for my country. As you said, thank you is not enough.

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    1. Patricia BradleyMay 27, 2019 at 9:34 AM

      Yes, thank you to those who gave their all...thank you it isn't nearly enough.

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  4. Liz FlahertyMay 27, 2019 at 8:35 AM

    A good post, Pat.

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  5. Callie EndicottMay 27, 2019 at 10:26 AM

    I'm with you on split feelings. I don't like war, but I respect and honor those serve. In many areas, Memorial Day has become a time to remember all those who are gone. It's good to have a day like that, but we mustn't forget those who have given their lives on behalf of others. Not only those in the armed services, but all those who choose the greater good.

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