My last BLOG was focused on being available, today as Memorial Day comes I am reminded of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives to provide for my freedom. I am also reminded of those who are dealing daily with the struggles of death and injuries of family members, friends, and loved ones who have served our country and allow us to continue our way of life.
As a veteran myself I have served with men and women across the world that have unselfishly buttoned up the uniform and made it their job to insure the way of life we in the U.S. have come to expect. Some have given the ultimate sacrifice and I know that at this time of year my inbox is filled with emails from my friends and family members reminding me of the devotion, dedication, and sacrifices that others made to allow me to continue my way of life. I can honestly tell you that when you choose to serve your country you do so without reservation or hesitation. You do not know where you will go or what you will be called to do but you choose to make yourself “available” knowing that you may be called upon at anytime to give the ultimate sacrifice. It is not something that you think about.
As I am writing this I look out my window at a high school in Tianjin, China… and there is nothing like sitting in a foreign country to remind you of your culture, heritage, and history. I watch as they are enjoying the sun and playing volleyball. From my vantage point high above them I only see happy faces and hear cheers of laughter as the ball hits the ground. You see there are no borders in the world (as we see from space) only man made boundaries that we need to negotiate. Man made boundaries that consist of differences in culture, language, ideas, and actions… but differences that can be overcome through understanding, compassion, and openness.
I have the pleasure of experiencing and living a very different life from my forefathers and yet I am convinced that what I decide to give to others as a result of my knowledge, experiences, and choices, will create a new and exciting future for my children and those who follow after me. Although I spend half of my time in China and I am an ambassador for what an American is everyday of my life. I wanted to take this time to write and let you know that someday, somewhere, you may (like those who gave their lives on 9/11) be asked to give the ultimate sacrifice for others… in or out of uniform. Realize and reflect on how special we are as citizens of the U.S. and ultimately as citizens of humanity. Remember and give thanks! Dare to share this with others.
HISTORY: Memorial Day was first called Decoration Day and is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. It’s difficult to ascertain the origins of the day. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
