Memorial Day a time to remember

Memorial Day a time to remember
by Donna Teresa

Memorial Day is a time for all of us to honor the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Let us also honor the memory of our veterans who are no longer with us.

Whenever you see the American flag, please think of those soldiers who have fought for that flag to wave freely. They deserve to be remembered forever.

This is a letter I wrote especially for them, this Memorial Day.

Dear American Soldier,

I wanted to write something special for you. I don’t know if I can fill a letter with all my gratitude for you, but I’ll try. It’s not profound or inspirational, but it comes from the heart and I’ve wanted you to know this for a very long time…

You unselfishly served your country, no questions asked. Faithfully, you stood by your fellow soldiers from beginning to the end. The years have passed, and I’ll never lose hope that one day, there will be no more wars. Lessons are never learned and we continue to lose our best and our brightest. Help me understand.

I am fearful that you will not be remembered and forgotten as the years go by. It is my hope and wish that all the people of American will honor and respect our veterans past and present. May they learn to appreciate the gift you have given them.

I hope all mothers and fathers who do not have a son or daughter serving in the military will take some time to remember and appreciate you, for you gave your life so that their children can experience freedom and the chance to live in peace.

I want you to know that you were my heroes when I was a little girl and you still are, and always will be. As I grow older, and the lines grow deeper on my face, I will never forget the men and women who continue to inspire me to be a better person. Because of you, I love my country more and I will never take it for granted.

No one has earned the right to be called “hero” more than you have. The courageous and brave, you are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. In my opinion, there are no other individuals who truly love this country more. You have shown it in your willingness to sacrifice your lives for it and I believe that you would do it all over again if given the chance.

Dear soldier, you are never forgotten. Let us remember you not just on Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day, but every day.

Thank you.