05/31/2021
Today is an especially poignant day for so many of us. I usually like to keep my page short, sweet, and light, but this is a day that weighs on my heart, especially after the last year and a half. So, I’d like to take a moment to let you know what it means to me — always, but especially at this moment in time.
Memorial Day is a day which honors and remembers all those brave souls who have willingly laid down their lives in the service of this great nation. It’s a day to remember all those who passed while serving in the United States Armed Forces. For their lives, service, and selfless sacrifice, we are forever grateful.
Memorial Day is also a day to remember all of the other loved ones we’ve lost — something that stings just a little bit more this year. Whatever news outlet you may watch, whichever reporting statistics you may read, the fact is: many of us have lost, or know someone who has lost, a person that they love. In these cases, there is only compassion and love for those who are hurting. And our hearts are with those who hurt.
There is one more thing I’d like to mention, something hopeful. On the morning of Memorial Day, at first light, the US flag is raised briskly to the top of the staff, then slowly lowered to the half-staff position where it remains until noon. At noon, it gets raised back to full-staff, where it remains for the rest of the day. Now, that half-staff position is a gesture to honor the more than one million armed service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. But, it’s the last part I’d like to focus on — and I think we all should, because hope is potent medicine.
When the flag is raised back up to full-staff, it signifies resolve, strength, and perseverance. It means that we live; that our country lives; that we are here to fight another day in honor of those who have left us too soon. It’s a reminder that we have not been brought down or laid low, but that we are resolved to go on. To not let their precious sacrifice be in vain. To not let bitterness creep in where gratitude, compassion, and love should reside.
The flag at full-staff is a promise: to rise up in their honor and continue to thrive, prosper, and live well. And most importantly, to continue the good fight — for liberty and justice for ALL.
Enjoy your Memorial Day, friends and family. We love every single one of you!