Millie and Me: Memorial Day: How do I honor it?

I thought I knew what Memorial Day was actually about. In years past I remember we'd go to the cemetery to put flowers at the grave, in particular my fathers. I knew it was more about the veterans and those that had died during military service, but I also thought it was to remember anyone that had passed on. As I have studied this, that appears to be wrong. It is primarily for remembering those that have died in our Nation's service. It is time to pause and think and honor those that have given their lives for my rights and freedoms. That does seem fair, because there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about Dad, but how often do I stop and think about those that have sacrificed their lives for me, someone they don't even know. I am amazed they can do that, and I am truely grateful for it as well.
I know this is the day for honoring those that gave their lives in death, but I don't know anyone who died in the war or any war for that matter. So to still give honor to those that did serve our country and are still serving our country, I wanted to make mention of them here. I also believe they give up part of their lives to serve in the military which is still worth noting and showing respect for.

The first person I know has died, though he didn't die during the war, he gave of his time and his life. He had a wife and small children at home who were depending on him. He was my grandpa, Edmund A. Roth, my mother's father. He served in the Army during World War II, which was from 1939 to 1945. It wasn't till later in his life that I asked him what he did during the war. He told me that he was in Paris, and guarded German prisoners.

The next person is my stepfather, LeRoy Elliott. He was in the Army during the Korean War, from 1951- 53, as an Airborn Paratrooper in the Special Forces 4th division. The one time thing I remember him talking about is how he had to eat whatever he could find when he was in a jungle, such as insects or whatever he could find. I can't imagine eating any bug,

The third person in military service is my cousin Tim Hecke. I don't have the dates, but he was in the Marines for 4 years overseas. He just graduated from Indiana University, and is going into the AirForce very soon. I am very proud of him and what he has accomplished with his life.

Last but definitely not least, is my nephew Tres' Grissom. He has turned his life around and this past year has gone into the AirForce as well. I am also very proud of him and what he is doing with his life. Just a side note, he and his new bride are soon going to have a new baby, Congradulations to them.

I know this is long and probably you won't read all of it, that is ok. This was for me to show that I remember and am very grateful for those that give up their lives for me, that give up their lives with their families and give up their time for themselves, just so that we can all be free to do anything we want, within legal bounds of course.

I love my God, I love my family, I love my country and I love those that are serving it. Thank you to those that have made that sacrifice, I honor your memory and wish to give you the respect you deserve.

I will end here with this poem:

In Flanders Fields John McCrae, 1915.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved,

and now we lie

In Flanders fields.