Memorial Day Weekend Thoughts

Memorial Day display at Yo Fresh on the Historic Woodstock Square. WWII-era Air Force memorabilia. 

We are beginning Memorial Day weekend.

The weekend is a difficult weekend to navigate. On the one hand, we are observing a day that recognizes the incredible and sometimes inevitable loss that comes with freedom. On the other hand, active duty military and veterans alike come together to orchestrate these beautiful memorial celebrations.

My friend Greg (you know who you are, friend) just posted about what this day is not. But, I have to disagree (in a completely loving way) with him. When I see the military presence, yes, I remember the fallen, but I still thank these men and women for their service. And, yes, I know that it isn’t about them today, but it sort of is – because they are brothers and sisters in arms with those who have gone before them.

Often writing about and taking pictures of veterans, I’m continually in awe of those who put country before self. It is humbling and it is inspiring. I am a better person because I’ve taken the time to listen, to become friends with, and to sometimes treat as family these men and women.

A dear couple lost their son in Afghanistan –  C.J., a U.S. Marine. This husband and wife – Gold Star parents who lost their only son – inspire me in ways I can’t express. I know their life isn’t always upbeat and positive. I know they don’t go a day without mourning his loss. But what I see is a constant desire to make the lives of others better ~ and what an absolutely beautiful way to memorialize their son and to leave a legacy of service!

When I am feeling overwhelmed, I look to them.

This weekend I think about what they endure because their son’s bravery, dedication and ultimate sacrifice. But I also have worked with enough veterans to realize that sacrifices come not just from the Gold Star section of memorials. It sometimes comes in the form of invisible wounds of war – something that we cannot see. Sometimes the sacrifice is in returning so completely and profoundly changed that their lives and the lives of those they love are altered forever.

So, when I approach Memorial Day, I do so with trepidation. I remember the fallen, but I continue to admire the sacrifices of each and every serviceman and -woman. They, too, sacrifice. And it is not forgotten.

“Thank you” isn’t enough nor does it make the loss any less for families who mourn sons, daughters, wives, husbands, mothers and fathers. “Thank you” feels so small for you men and women who put your lives on the line every day. But “thank you” is all I have for those who have fallen … for it is because of you that we live here, in the Land of the Free because of the Brave.

Woodstock Harley-Davidson will honor those killed in action Sunday morning at 11 a.m.  Join us!

The Woodstock Harley-Davidson staff make sure that this beautiful flag never touches the ground as it is raised -- a multi-person job that is done with honor and respect.

Air Force memorabilia display at Yo Fresh.

Vintage Air Force uniform and pilot cap.

Bike Haven on the Historic Woodstock Square special ordered this Electra Tiger Shark bike in honor of the historic WWII Warbirds. 

Memorial Day display at Read Between the Lynes bookstore. 

Read Between the Lynes Bookstore display.

Sign outside Read Between the Lynes Bookstore. 

Our patriotic town!

I absolutely love how Bike Haven created a store-wide military theme bringing in, not only the Warbird bike, but also these throwback bikes that look like early motorcycles ... most notably used in the Mexican-U.S. Border Conflict all the way back in 1916.

Vintage throw-back to the early motorcycle era to coincide with the Memorial Day theme at Bike Haven on the Woodstock Square.