Happy Memorial Day

When I visited Washington D.C. a couple of years ago I was privileged to witness the changing of the guard at the tombs of the unknown soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery.  I was in tourist mode, so I was prepared, and expecting, to be entertained.

But I was humbled instead.  This is an experience that every American, and everyone who wants to be an American, should have.  Freedom has a cost, and we can enjoy our lives here in the United States because of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and for the ideal of Freedom. How easy it is to forget this as we go about our daily lives.

There are many people who feel they have justified grievances against the United States.  It’s not my place to disagree with anyone’s opinion.  They have a right to their opinions, and a right to express them .  Many men and women have died to protect that right.

I’m just your average, everyday, middle-class American.  But I live a life that would most likely be viewed as privileged, and even unimaginable and utterly unatainable, to probably 98% of the world’s population.  I can say what I want, read what I want, think what I want, go where I want, and do what I want.  Actions I regard as everyday, normal occurrences are not even an option for much of the world’s population, most especially for women.  Yet I take these “rights” for granted.   How shameful.

We all look forward to Memorial Day as a fun, relaxing three-day weekend.  The doorway to the good-times of summer.  But thank you, thank you, thank you, to all the men and women who stand guard over me so that I can be an American.  Happy Memorial Day, everyone.