memorial day [a military wife’s view]
I guess this day doesn’t hit everyone the way it hits me. I have a picture in my bedroom of a Lt. my hubby was deployed with. He was buried in Arlington a few months back. My husband and him were good friends. He has countless pictures and video clips taken with his digital camera that my father-in-law put on a cd and sent to his grieving mother and brother.
I’ll never forget how, during my husband’s first deployment, my upstairs neighbor wouldn’t leave her house for three days. Her husband held his battle buddy in his arms while he died. Their convoy had been attacked.
I’ll also never be able to fully comfort my husband from the memories of when his camp was attacked. As a medic, he had to help move the bodies. His friend, which he eventually found out who he was by his id, had no face left. There were others.
I’m bitter thinking about how people are enjoying their day off with bbqs, shopping sprees, days at the lake, etc. Being bitter is counter-productive. But I do want to ask that people stop and think how important this day is.
I guess I’m coming off all preachy. I can’t help it…
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preachy smeachy, it’s the truth.
I love that we have this day to spend with family and loved ones and hotdogs but it can be easy to forget why we have this 3-day weekend in the first place.
I think you’re experiencing the same as every other army wife out there. Today must be really tough for you. Over here in Ireland we dont have a memorial day like ye do (well… we have a march on Easter, but it’s not the same thing), but I think it’s so important to remember all those who are fighting abroad and all those who lost their lives. Both my uncles were in the Irish army and were posted in the Lebanon until they retired early…. they were both in convoys on several occasions that were attacked and bombed, but thank God, they got home ok. But they wont talk about their trips, understandably enough.
I hope your day picks up a bit for you girlie.
im really sorry to hear that this holiday has this kind of heartache along with it. i think this blog was a great realization for me, to really take a second to think about the purpose.
thank you
its so the truth! i really hope people do take the time today to remember all the soldiers who have died so we can enjoy our freedom!
you’re not coming off preachy at all. This day clearly has a meaning for you that other people couldn’t begin to imagine. It must be a hard day for you.
Hey thanks for sharing…
I don’t think it is preachy at all. I think that you should share your feelings. It does put things into perspective. We always honor our relatives who’ve served at our cookout and we also have a moment of silence for those they know who have fallen. Though we have a joyous time being together, we still remember why we are getting that time. I enjoyed your blog. Thanks.
Can I just say thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me that you would post this on here. I agree that too many people view this as just a day off and not for what it is meant for. Please tell your husband thank you for all that he has done. We all appreciate him and can never imagine what he had to endure.
My Fiance is over there right now. Hes been gone for a little over 3 months, and he has another 3 to go. Trust me, not everyone is out there “celebrating”. I couldnt be anymore sad than I am at this day. I dont think its a day for bbqs and lake trips. Its a day to remember.
I wish I still had this awesome graphic to show you. I lost it in the millions of pix on this computer… But it was of a family in a convertable, they were heading to a bbq. They had hot dogs, burgers, music, and all the “commercial” stuff that people associate with this day. The wife said “Honey, what are the flowers for?” The husband drove up to a grave where on it, it said “Veterans” and he said “To say thanks…”.
It makes cry just thinking about it. I know how you feel. I was never a part of the military lifestyle until becoming a part of my Fiances life. It has changed my outlook on things DRAMATICALLY. I pray for him and everyone over there, their families, and their loved ones, and all of the brave soldiers we have lost in wars.
Thank you for posting this blog. I hope it means as much to everyone else as it does to me. Thank you.