We call this Memorial Day.
For many in the United States, it marks the unofficial beginning of summer. It is a day for cookouts, time with family, and perhaps the 1st outing of the season in the boat.
But Memorial Day is not about cookouts, or family time (as good as those things may be).
Memorial Day is when we as a nation commemorate the brave men and women who died serving their country in our military. It was created to honor the dead of the Union Army, who gave everything they had in the American Civil War. Today, it includes American soldiers who suffered died in any war or military action.
I would like to publicly thank and honor those in my family who served in the military.
- My grandfather, John J. Schwegler, who served in the United States Army during World War II.
- My father (one of the two earthly fathers God gifted me with), Pat Edwards, who served two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and served 20 years total in the United States Marine Corps.
- My brother, Mark Edwards, who served 10 years in the United States Marine Corps.
- May father-in-law, Bob Nanninga, who served as a United States Marine in the Korean War.
All four of you are heroes to me.
Our family was fortunate, in that none of these distinguished gentlemen died in combat. I know others were not so lucky.
I'm taking this opportunity on Memorial Day to thank my family members for their brave service to our country and its ideals. I also want to express my deep, heartfelt gratitude to the many others who served and made the ultimate sacrifice so that you and I might live in a free society.
My thanks to Michael Hyatt, who inspired me with his stirring Memorial Day post.
Question: Who would you like to honor today? Post their name and any details you wish below.