You know, considering that I come from a military family on my Moms side you would think I wouldn’t have had such a hard time with my friends enlisting. Both my Grandfather and Great Grandfather served, as well as my Uncle and I know there are more on my Grandmothers side of the family. My cousin is currently in the Army, and I know that my father loves the military but couldn’t enlist due to his vision (well…I think it was his vision) I remember the model battleships he used to build when I was a kid. I always wanted to play with them but they were this sort of forbidden fruit of a toy. Amazing detail, stacked with small parts I could easily lose or break and I wanted to play with the mini jet fighters so badly. I think a few times I did and I’m certain every time I was yelled at for it. I also remember my Dad trying to convince my seven year old self to become a Marine…or join the Air force to try to become a blue angel or something. I don’t remember all of it, just his passion for each branch and the excitement he had when he talked about it. You can still find a TON of military history books in my Dads house. We both share a passion for history.

And even though I’ve had a hard time with the entire thing I have an extreme respect for those who have served. While in the eighth grade my History final was a full video interview with several world war two vets, as well as vets from the Korean Conflict. I know I also interviewed my Step Grand parents to see what it was like to be a kid during the second world war. I received an A on the project and donated the tape to the teacher…who freaking lost it. I’m still pissed at the guy for that. There are people on there who have passed away, and it’s not like it was easy for them to talk about what they went through. How the fuck do you lose something like that? …sorry, it’s hard. I remember one of my Great Grandfathers friends crying on camera. I looked up to those guys, they all had something about them. I really regret not keeping a copy of that tape.

So…Memorial Day. I know everyone is looking at this weekend like it’s a big three day party. We all get Monday off…but why? Why do we get Monday off? Can anyone tell me WHAT we are getting the day off for?  I honestly don’t think that most people can give me a good answer as to why they’re getting the day off or what we are supposed to be celebrating.

In the event you didn’t know, Memorial Day is to remember and honor those people who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces, our surviving veterans, and those that died in combat. Going back to 1868 for Union Soldiers, Memorial Day, or Decoration Day has been the day that the United States honors the dead and fallen heroes of all its wars.

This Memorial Day I will remember my Great Grandfather, I will spend time with My Grandfather and I will be thankful for everything I have. I will do my best to show my friends that I support their choices to enlist and am so effing proud of them. (In the off chance they read this) You guys are doing something amazing, it’s going to change your lives and I’m so lucky to have friends like you. Adam, David, Kyle, Jenn, and John you guys are all doing something wonderful. Thank you.

Now. What can you do to show support for Memorial Day? How about you go over to APO Malls and Adopt A Soldier. Yes, I am going to plug my friends website, after all he is a Vet and I KNOW these guys could really use the support. They want someone to write them, someone to talk to, and someone to tell them “Hey. I know what you are doing isn’t easy, thank you”  Show your support folks.