Memorial Day 2007

At one of the elementary schools where I substitute teach, each Friday morning following the Pledge of Allegiance, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” is played, and the majority of students sing along. The very first time this song came on and a classroom full of second graders belted out these patriotic lyrics, it took everything I had to hold back the welling tears. A year and a half later, it still does.

That song is already inspiring, but to look into the faces of those innocent children as they sing with animation words they cannot fully comprehend is a stark reminder of what the sacrifices of previous generations was all about. It is their hopes and dreams of a strong and free American future that have deployed troops over time to defend. Hard to believe though their biggest fear today might be what’s hiding in a dark closet as they are tucked in bed each night; in just ten short and hopefully wonderful years, they would then be eligible to put on a uniform and defend the next generation of second graders.

To all of the courageous men and women who have served this country, who have suffered hard-to-imagine physical and emotional scars, who all too often gave the ultimate sacrifice, and for their families whose life forever lost some of its luster as they received the heartbreaking fate of their loved ones, a sincerest thank you. On this Memorial Day, may we unite in their memory to preserve a land that is free and worthy of the sacrifices of those who have fought and still fight to keep it that way. God bless.