MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS LIKE CHRISTMAS

About Freedom

by Alayne Kay Christian

This week people, trucks, boats on trailers, and RVs swarmed into the peaceful quiet RV resort were we are staying. Today, the lake is a abuzz, too. A steady stream of boats rock the sailboats docked nearby. The beginning of summer. Fun in the sun. And I think, Memorial Day weekend is a little like Christmas. We sometimes forget what it is really all about.

Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day – A day set aside for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I am grateful, everyday, for those who have given their lives, those who have been severely injured, and those who have left their families, friends and homes — all to protect us from harm and to uphold freedom. The following is a modified and abbreviated version of an essay I wrote many years ago. Today, seems like a good day to share it.

Years back, I watched a documentary that followed the life events of several inmates on a prison farm. An elderly man spoke about how freedom comes from within. He made a comparison to all the people out there in the ‘free’ world who are not as free as he who spends his life locked away in prison. He was talking about how we are often prisoners of ourselves. Here we are as free as birds, yet shackled to choices made based on belief systems we have learned from others. We can find freedom from within. We have a choice. Our thoughts and beliefs can imprison us or they can free us.

When the man mentioned the free world, I thought about some of the freest people on earth . . . Americans. We have the freedom to exercise free will. We are free to think for ourselves, question things, and voice our opinions.

I am writing this on Memorial Day weekend. The Indianapolis 500 blares from our television as I write. A woman’s rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner rings in my heart. Next, a twenty-one gun solute honors the memory of our fallen soldiers. The cheering crowd grows silent when a young man steps forward and blows Taps on his trumpet. In honor and gratefulness to all our soldiers, I stop typing. Through a teary haze, I watch thousands of Americans, and some visitors from abroad, gathered in one place for a day of competition, patriotism, and fun. The crowd looks like a sea of red, white, and blue swaying dots. I imagine that they are as free as a flock of colorful birds that have come together through free will.

“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” – Jeff Miller

“These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor – and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.” Michael N. Castle

“As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nations wars.” John M. McHugh