A Memorial Day to Remember

Golden Gate National Cemetary, Memorial Day 2015

Every year, we commemorate the sacrifices of our military heroes on two days, separated by six months. Memorial Day is the most American of the two as it was initiated in 1868 as Decoration Day, following the end of the War Between the States (also known as the Second War of Independence), the American Civil War.

Traditionally, graves of Union soldiers were decorated with flowers. The Confederate soldiers were commemorated similarly, but on a separate day. By the 20th Century, the competing days merged into the one we now know, the last Monday of May, the beginning of summer.

Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in other countries in Europe) commemorates the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month when the guns went silent at the end of World War I. This holiday evolved from this WWI connection to honor the service of all veterans of the U.S. Armed forces. Memorial Day honors the military personnel who died while serving our country. 

Drought-affected GGNC, Memorial Day 2015

This year, unlike so many in the recent past, the United States is not engaged in any major conflict on foreign soil, a reason to think of this year’s holiday as one to be set apart. 

Along with many of my fellow Americans, I visited the graves of members of my family who served in the U.S. Army during World Wars I and II, and the Vietnam War. To my knowledge, no one in my family died in combat, despite a long history of service in the Armed Forces.

Since the 1950s, the Golden Gate National Cemetery has been the resting place of uncles, aunts, my parents and siblings. My father and uncle, both U.S. Army officers, are buried with their wives. My sister-in-law passed away a year before my brother and they were interred together in my parent's grave. 

These vast rows of white tombstones and flags are, at once, a majestic and a sorrowful sight.

This post is in Memory of

• Moses F Verrill, Infantryman, US Army, 20th Maine, War Between the States
• Hiram W Verrill, PFC, US Army, WWI
• Thomas A Verrill, Sr. Captain, US Army, WWII
• Charles A. Adams, Sargent, US Army, WWII
• Owen K Nichols, US Navy, Korean War
• Thomas A Verrill, Jr. 1st Lt, US Army, Vietnam War

And in Honor of

• Maxine M Dillahunty nee Verrill, 1st Lt, US Army, Korean War,
• William D. Dillahunty, Airman 2nd Cl, US Air Force, Korean War

And with especial thanks to every one of the veterans and serving personnel who volunteer and are prepared to give their lives to protect and preserve our liberty. 

REALITY CHECK

Last week I received the ultimate reality check when I fell on the sidewalk and broke my wrist. This is a picture of my new BFF Castzilla.  Full arm cast to try to avoid surgery. Until I broke bones, I had not paid much attention to the little things in life, the proverbial "stop to smell the roses" events that happen every day.

Have you ever stopped to think about everything you need 2 hands to do?

• Buckle a seat belt
• put on a bra
• open a jar
• put toothpaste on a toothbrush
• do your hair with a curling iron or hot rollers
• pull up socks, pants, underwear
• wash certain body parts

I bet we could name a whole lot more.

I'm learning to get by on one wing for a while, but what I really got from this temporary inconvenience was a deeper understanding and respect for those who must deal with the loss of a limb for the rest of their lives; our heroes in uniform, those who lose an arm or leg to an accident, those who must decide on amputation or life. I think I can safely say we all feel empathy, but until now, I didn't really understand the life implications.

What helped to drive this sudden light bulb over the head moment home for me was seeing Noah Galloway on Dancing With the Stars.  I 'm complaing because I need help washing my hair for 6 weeks, and this American hero is coping with the loss of an arm and leg for the rest of his life.  I mean, shut up Kathye. You get your arm back by May. Noah gets his arm and leg back when he gets to Heaven.

So while I don't want any of you to break a limb or lose one to get a light bulb of your own if you don't already have a bright one already lit, I am asking that you stop for a moment when the news reports terrorists attacked our military and there are casulaties, or when there is a terrible accident somewhere and people are harmed like at the Boston Marathon Bombing, or if you hear of someone whose illness is requiring them to make a choice.  Say a little prayer, send some good chi, or  wish them well. I know I will not be able to just think "so sad" any longer. 

And to put the proverbial money where my mouth is, I am fully supporting the Wounded Warriors Project with a monthly donation.  I waste enough money t Sephora every month catering to my vanity.  Now I'll put

that money to better use.

Off my soapbox now.  Thanks for listening and God Bless America's heroes.