We have just experienced the Memorial Day Holiday. It is a time where we launch our summer, entertain our families and friends and realize all the holiday sales. More importantly this is a holiday where we remember all those who have lost their lives in the service of our country so that we might enjoy the freedoms that we have in America.
Some families use this holiday to remember their lost loved one. I just heard of a story of a family who has been taking this weekend to reflect and grieve the loss of their family member. They have been gathering on a given day each year for the last 58 years to never let the memory of their loved one disappear who died in the Viet Nam war when he was in his early 20’s. It was encouraging to hear how vivid their memories are of him and how they valued his sacrifice with a very special reverence.
I also think it is important to remember the sacrifices of our veterans within their service. I think of veteran Bill Robinson who was a prisoner of war in Viet Nam for 7 years. As you can imagine he suffered a great deal through that period of his life where he was tortured, starved and experienced the hell of being a prisoner of war with little hope for release. What a huge sacrifice he made for our country and the freedoms we now possess.
On this holiday I always think of my father-in-law who was a World War II survivor. He participated in all three landings and had vivid stories of all that went on during the many excursions of that war. He passed away at the age of 95 but his patriotism and commitment to our values and freedoms was unparalleled. He was proud of his service and valued what he knew he contributed to our country.
Stories like this are prevalent, all of them demonstrating the deep commitment of those who have served our country faithfully. They had a full life in front of them and for many, their lives were cut short, their families experienced huge losses, and their memories remain with the continued grief and family pain.
This is a holiday of memories and as much as there are so many difficult and tragic losses, there is also a celebration of what they left to us all. Their many sacrifices have spurned a legacy of freedom, democracy and a commitment to the values that uphold our constitution and its benefits to our daily lives. It is a legacy that spans over two centuries that has shaped our current culture and all the liberties that we enjoy today.
It is why we owe them a special honor. They fought and died to defend a country built on the freedoms granted to us. They have invested their service to us and we have the privilege of that stewardship. We celebrate their lives by being vigilant to preserve the same values they fought for and defended. As we join in their remembrance we also join in our mutual commitment to our core beliefs of American freedom. We stand with them as our model of service, sacrifice and resilience. In their memory we celebrate our freedoms.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
