Happy Memorial Day!

If you ask me, that phrase should be outlawed!  The only reason I haven't boycotted the use of it yet is that I have no better suggestion. But honestly! How can you wish someone to be 'happy' on a day that we have set aside to remember those fallen in the line of duty, protecting our freedom? To remember those currently serving overseas, with children at home they've never met - and might never get to meet?  To remember those who have come home, but still live in a prison of nightmares and horrific memories? Haunted by the faces of those they lost? These are things that, unless you've been there, you cannot truly appreciate. We have nothing to go off of. 

Memorial Day is not about the big sales at your favorite stores. It's not about getting family together to eat brats and drink beer. It's about the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. And the men and women that continue to put their lives on the line, day in and day out, to insure that our freedom - which we treasure so dearly in this country - is not taken away.

What would America be without our soldiers? Truth be told, we would probably still be a British colony.  We are so proud to be the United States of America - we bow to no one...yet we complain about the wars. We bad-mouth our troops and refuse to give them the support they deserve. The media shows one side - but the media doesn't show the truth.  Where are the citizens of America that will stand up for them?  Where are the citizens that are willing to make a stand on behalf of our soldiers? It's not a popular opinion, but it's one that needs to be spoken.  Preferably, shouted from the rooftops for all to hear! 

My challenge to you is this - what are you going to do with your freedom?  Are you going to go with the flow? Let the mainstream opinion take you by storm? Or are you going to make a stand for what you believe in, regardless of the opposition?  As for me, I proudly display my support of the U.S. Soldier. On my car, on my Facebook page, on my blogs. I do it for my family - those who have served, and those that are currently serving. I do it for their friends; I do it for my friends. I do it because if it weren't for them, who knows where our country would be? Would I have to hide in a cave to pray? Would I have been forced to attend a government school? I don't want to find out!

So as you enjoy your cookouts, and spending the day with your family - please remember those who have given their lives for your right to be American.