by Matt Moore

Created on: May 25, 2009   Last Updated: June 01, 2009

When most of us think about Memorial Day, we get excited because it means a three day weekend. It's a time for us to catch up on lawn work, grill out by the pool, or take in some sun at the lake, but to a few it is much more than that. This is a day that is rooted into our American fabric. This is a time that we can reflect, and honor those brave veterans that risk their lives through so many wars in the past, and the present. That we, the American citizen cannot even fathom what these brave soldiers endured. On this Memorial Day weekend it gives us time to reflect, and honor family and friends that have served this great country of ours. I would like to take this opportunity to honor and thank my own family and friends that have served.

I honor my own father that served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. He would tell us his own story how he was on a troop ship in the middle of the pacific when North and South Korea signed the cease fire agreement. He would say that he never had the chance to find out which way he would run if he was shot at.

I honor my father in law, who I have never had the privilege of meeting. He past away when my wife was 8 years old from a brain tumor. He served as an MP in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.

I honor my wife's grandfather. He served in the Army on the front lines in the Korean War. To this day he still has trouble talking about his experiences.

I honor my uncle, my mother's older brother. Who also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. The day he enlisted in the Air Force his draft papers where waiting at home. The government aloud him to serve in the Air Force since he enlisted with them first.

I honor my uncle, my father's older brother. He served as a medic in Patton's Army in World War II. My father would tell us stories how he had to stay behind when the war ended to help find missing soldiers.

I honor the son of a neighbor I grew up with. He served in the Marine Corps. and was apart of the Battle for Fallujah, one of the most deadly battles in the Iraq War, and the War on Terror.

And last I stand, take my hat off and place my hand over my heart to honor all the brave men and women who has given us the privilege of living in a free society.

So, as we go about our long three day weekend from work or school and enjoy spending time with family and friends at a barbecue, maybe attend a local Memorial Day Parade, take some time to reflect and thank a vet.

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