KEEP IN MIND.

Memorial Day is a day that most people use, as a way to break out the barbecue grill, drink some beer, and watch whatever sports you're into, on your federally approved day off from work. However, we all know that Memorial Day is about those who died for this country. We say it casually, as if being asked by a school teacher in class, but, do we really consider that statement? We have a habit of saying, "for this country", but really it is for us civilians; citizens of this country. Not all of us, have the mentality to join the military, and possibly put our lives on the line for our country, strangers, family, and friends alike. People join the military for different kinds of reason, however, they join with the full knowledge that one day they may be called upon to give up their lives. Not everybody has that sort of commitment, or even belief in something, for that matter. It's honorable, to say the least. Even if some of those joining, are simply joining to kill people, or blow shit up, you still need people like that, to fight for us. It's necessary. It's all necessary.

We like to separate our country, from ourselves. We look at our government as a figurehead of who we are, and not an accurate representation of what we believe. In the balance, are millions of lives. Some like to argue, that this is what they signed up for, which is so callous in thinking. These are the people, who are convinced that these defenders of our freedoms are disposable, based on the whims of government officials, and armchair politicians alike. The viewpoint changes when the people partaking in the processes of war, are family and friends. In this case, we hope for safety. This is how we should all, from politicians to civilians, should view these war driven endeavors; with the utmost concern for safety. Although, there's no illusions when it comes to war, the fact remains that these are human lives being put at risk. We should show concern, and always strive for diplomacy, for both sides, because in the end the ones we are fighting against are losing too. Although, there are casualties in every war, we should do our very best to not be so eager to just send our nation's defenders into wars, for whatever purpose we deem worthy....especially when you examine the lives lost, and the treatment of soldiers when they return. These people, because that's what they are, people, are often reduced to soldiers, chess pieces, killers, and numbers, deserve to be viewed as such.

I may not always agree with the wars being fought and may see it as unnecessary sometimes, but I do hold in highest regard our military and the sacrifices those people make. Always remember those who have passed, while keeping our country, no us, safe. Always remember those who have served, those who have been injured, and forever changed by the effects of war. Always remember those who can't come home, because they are right now, in a foreign land, over the sea, serving to keep us all safe. To those I say, with the most respect I can muster, thank you. Thank you for keeping me, my family, and friends safe. - 925