Memorial Day, like so many other “Monday holidays,” has come to symbolize, at least in the eyes of many, a three day weekend.  All of us should take these days to enjoy the company of friends and family, get some sun, have picnics and relax.  We all need time off from the stress of the work week.

On the other side of the world, however, there are men and women serving our nation who have no respite from the stress of war.  There are no three day weekends in combat zones.  The families of those who serve in our armed forces have no Monday holiday from the worry only they understand.

And, for those who have fallen in the line of duty, their families will never escape from the burden of their loss.  We should remember that Memorial Day is about those who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy freedom.

The following comments were sent to me by Bill Day, a man with whom I regularly disagree on political issues.  Bill, thank you for reminding me that we are all joined in our debt of gratitude to those who have made the sacrifice of military service:

It is  the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It  is the VETERAN, not the reporter,  who has given us freedom of the press.

It  is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It  is the VETERAN, not the  campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It  is the VETERAN, not the  lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It  is the VETERAN, not the  politician, who has given us the right to vote.

Thank you to all our veterans, service men and women, and the families of those who serve or have served in the past, for the right and the privilege of living in freedom.