Some Gave All - All Gave Some

I was doing some planning last month and completely overlooked Memorial Day. I planned some events for the day only to be reminded that it was a national holiday.

It wasn't too long ago that Memorial Day was more than a three day weekend. This is the first year I feel "away" from my military service - despite the fact that I was no longer serving this time last year, it still felt like a part of my daily existence.

It feels more foreign now. Yet, at the same time, I'm more appreciative of the experience.

My embarrassment about forgetting the day soon subsided when I thought about what I wanted when I served. It's great to be honored and remembered, but it's even better to serve a role that lets people experience enough peace that they forget you're there. The threat of war and violence is distant enough that people can plan how to spend a day at a park with their kids without worrying.

As the saying goes, "some gave all - all gave some." Yes, remember, but enjoy the day and live in peace. That's part of the reason why all gave some in the first place.