Memorial Day can be emotional three-day weekend, starting with the empty chair at the table that will never be filled. Wishing someone a “Happy Memorial Day” risks walking into an emotional minefield of sorts. Some will use the day to advance political agendas, and others just want to have a guiltfree barbeque to escape from their real lives. As a holidays go, it’s a mixed bag.
CC and I chatted about this day and other days dedicated to veterans, and she rightfully said there are no days dedicated to dependents like the spouses, partners, children, and loved ones of those on the front lines. There is no national holiday set aside for the Blue Star and Gold Star heroes who support our troops.
A modest proposal, then, maybe to refocus on important things: while we plant flags on graves, we as a nation expend an equal, if not greater, amount of energy to remember those left behind. Reach out and let them know they are not alone. Tell them that while we’re pouring one out for a fallen soul, that we are also there to help ease the burdens of those that must carry on. A phone call or a hug or something that let’s them know they are not alone.
Well, I can dream.
For now, I hope y’all remember all of our heroes on this solemn day. Somebody somewhere misses them. And if that happens to be you, you’re in my thoughts this day.
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