Memorial Day is not just a day off

  • Published
  • By Laura McGowan
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  While you're traveling safely, stoking the grill and enjoying time with family and friends, don't forget what Memorial Day is really about. 

The United States has been accused in the press of not being a nation at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, but only a military at war. That's not true. I see homes with American flags flying 24/7--not just on special days. I hear on the news about civic groups and individuals paying to send World War II veterans to the Veteran's Memorial in Washington, D.C. I see yellow ribbons on trees and even on cars as I drive to and from taking my daughter to basketball practices or am stopped at a traffic light, and of course the car magnets that say, "Bless our Troops." 

Even though the members of Congress often differ vastly on how to go about handling the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, they still come together to pass appropriate bills to support the troops financially as they continue to fight and sacrifice for our country and those of our allies; and they should. 

This Memorial Day while we are complaining about the price of gas crimping our traveling style, adding our comments to the blogs on who will be the next President, giving our two cents about who won the American Idol competition, remember those who have sacrificed their lives so that we can have the time to think about and loudly and freely voice our opinions about those aforementioned topics without fear of retribution. 

Remember that we are blessed because someone else paid the ultimate price.