Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day I am drawn to a memory of one of My many visits to Hawaii. I was on the Island of Oahu. There was a special celebration of the Islands and there were many events. The one that most captured my attention was a beautiful parade. At this parade there were representatives from each Island. There were horses with beautiful flower lei's there were representatives from each Island in beautiful clothes, lei's and Jewelry from long ago when Hawaii wasn't part of the United States.

However as wonderful and captivating as all of that was NOTHING compared to the Men and Women in Uniforms, from each branch of our Military.  The Military Uniforms were perfect, they marched perfectly. they had beautiful bands that played patriotic songs as they marched in perfect rhythm down the street. As I sat there on the curb that September day I remember thinking in my mind that if it were not for these brave Men and Women in uniform I might not even be here visiting, and enjoying my vacation.  I thought about all the Men and Women in the branches of the military before these young recruits. All those that lost their lives so that I may have the privilege to sit on this street and watch this parade. As I sat there tears welled up in my eyes, and began to slide down my face. I've never been to Hawaii when I haven't went to Pearl Harbor and paid my respects to the many Men and Women who died there for my freedom and way of life.

For everyone that knows someone in the Military, today of all days. TELL THEM THANK YOU. Show them the special respect they have earned. If you don't know someone that has been in the military, look for that proud Man or Woman that wears a symbol of their service. Be as brave as they were, approach them and simply THANK THEM FOR THEIR SERVICE.

After all where would we be without their service. No one can ever truly and fully answer that question. However I know without a doubt we would not be in the same place if people wouldn't have given their lives and time to serve in our Military.

I thank my Grandfather, long since deceased and my Father for serving so that I can have vacations and family barbecue's on these Memorial Day Holidays year after year.

Thank you to ALL who have served our country.

In love and light,

Juliana