Monday, May 28, 2012

Veterans Day is in November...

But you can thank a veteran any and every day, of course.

Today, though, is Memorial Day.  And while honoring veterans is always encouraged, I don't think (on this day) that thanking everyone who has ever served should overshadow acknowledging those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the loved ones they leave behind.  I have thought a lot lately about a PFC McNulty who was recently KIA.  He leaves behind many family members, two of which are a wife and his first child due to be born next month.  I have never met McNulty or his family, but my heart hurts so much for them.  I am a military spouse, but I do not know that kind of sacrifice.  And I hope I never have to.  Indeed, This Shit Ain't Free. 

Without any sort of context, I asked Joe earlier if he thought he should be recognized today for Memorial Day, and he said, "No.  I haven't died fighting."

Just something to think about.

2 comments:

Ingrid said...

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Nancy said...

Richard McNulty was one of my AP Euro sophomores. He was a VERY nice young man.

When Vern and I were at West Point over the weekend, we made a point to visit the cemetery. It is truly a place that makes you think about sacrifice, especially the newer graves of West Point grads who were killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's time....