Kristal, how appropriate right down to the poppy!  I remember being a kid and buying paper poppies from the kind vet with the gentle smile.

I choose to remember.  Thank you for this post.

I forgot to credit the photo...it was taken this morning in one of Denver's neighborhood gardens.  I fixed it up in PSE.  It should be a red poppy...

kk 

Thank you Kristal.  My son was on the USS Kitty Hawk and in the Persian Gulf on the day war was declared. March 19, 2003...and it was his birthday.  He got out of the Navy last July and home for good now.

Sally ~ Thank your son for me.  I bet you are very proud of him, and rightfully so!

kk 

I wrote a small post in honor of Memorial Day myself. This the first year ever that I've had not 1 but 2 family members active. Both are in Iraq. I was young when the Vietnam War ended and I don't remember much about it. Today, now I can't help but be touched when I turn on the radio and the announcer talks about soldiers dieing. In some ways I really wish information didn't flow so freely or as fast.

Maggie ~ It's time for my bed, I thought you were Dena, but now I know better!  Yes, I remember the gentlemen with the paper poppies. I so loved the poppies!

Dena ~ I remember the days of Vietnam all to well. When I was in H.S. the boys were worried if they didn't go to college they'd go to 'nam.  Most of my friends ended up there, including my husband.  In fact we got married in Hawaii when he had his R&R. So yes, I can remember sunny Vietnam.

Information flows very fast. The last wars/conflicts we have watched on TV.  That is surreal and scary.  I don't think the kids watching associate it with real life. 

kk 

They had quite a few WWII vets on a plane (a non-profit group is doing this) from Cleveland to the new memorial in DC.  They interviewd a vet from Cleveland who said the spontaneous thank you applause that ensued from other visitors astounded him. He said only one other person had ever thanked him for his service. Was thinking how my Dad would have loved to be on that plane with other vets and seeing the new Memorial. I hope everyone remembers, Kristal. It's fun to celebrate a long weekend with family, but unless we remember, we run the risk of losing touch with the reality of war. Thanks for the post.

Off the subject. But I remember periodically seeing Holocaust survivors around. You could see the tattoos on their fore arms. I was always afraid to ask questions or say anything. You (I) don't see them any more. Now I wish I had spoken up.

Carole ~ I'm glad another person finally thanked him.  So sad to think it took so long...  My Dad would like to see the new Memorial.  Maybe someday he will go.

kk 

Dena ~ Once upon a time a had a client who was a Holocaust survivor.  She was an amazing woman who was never able to find real happiness.  She was haunted by the past.  She ended up killing herself. So sad.  I think even if people don't want to talk about what they have lived through, they want to be recognized for their pain. Such a small thing means so much.

kk 

Good post.  Memorial day is more than a camping, fun weekend.  A lot of people gave a lot of sacrifice so that we can have the freedom we enjoy.

Folks let's remember that Memorial Day is the day to remember those that have fallen in pursuit of our freedom.  It is not the day to thank our veterans.  Let's do that on Veteran's Day.  Yes, thank our veterans (those of us that served in Viet Nam sure were shunned in that regard) but this weekend pay homage to those who gave their lives!

Kristal, I enjoy your posts and this is a great reminder. My dad served in WWII and my granddad in WWI, my husband was a Marine in the Vietnam War. There are so many military families that need our encouragement. I was watching FOX last night and the soldiers said the families back home, have to suffer as much if not more.

Good post with great sentiments!

Ed ~ thanks for clearing up that confusion.  I made the mistake of mixing the two, you are absolutely right.  Memorial Day is for those who have passed away.

Marty ~ Agreed, well stated, thank you!

Missy ~ true the families suffer a great deal, worrying and doing without their loved ones.

Bruce ~ thanks!

kk 

Thank you for this gentle sharing, for the inspiration, and for a reminder to hold close to our hearts those who gave their lives to let freedom ring.