Understanding Memorial Day

There is a quote that has been going around Facebook that I really like:

“What is Memorial Day?? For most, it is simply 3 days off work. For others, it’s a lot of savings at stores nationwide. But for most of US, it’s a day to remember our fallen troops that have fought in battles WORLDWIDE. If you post this, its because you know someone who serves, who was lost in battle, or you just understand that freedom is not free!!!”

When I was a little girl, I remember asking my mom what the difference between Memorial Day and Labor Day was. At that age, all I understood was that they were both holidays. I don’t remember what she said or how she explained it, but I realize that I never understood it until I became a military wife. I had still thought of it as a day off, a day for cooking out, a day for good sales at the mall, and a day that meant summer and summer vacation was right around the corner.

Now that I am a military wife, I recognize this day for what it really is. A day to remember those who have died fighting for my freedoms and those who are continuing that fight right now.  Being a military wife makes you understand the sacrifice that many families and military members have paid, because a lot of military families live it every day. So even though I never understood it in the past, I understand it now. I’m sorry that before, I never took the time to thank someone or never stopped to think about the sacrifices made for the freedoms in this country. But I can do that now. So thank you. Thank you one and all who paid the price for fighting for the freedoms of this country. Thank you to those who still serve. And thank you to all the families who understand it as much as I do.