Remembering

Memorial Day 2012

Growing up I always remember Memorial Day weekend. One of the things we did as a family was help put flags up in the Santa Rosa Memorial Cemetery. We actually did it as a fundraiser for the Marching Band up until a few years ago. As a kid I remember it being a fun thing to do almost like a scavenger hunt. We'd have to find all of the grave stones that said the person had been a part of the military and then put a flag in the ground by it. It sounds a little terrible to say it was like a scavenger hunt, but as a little kid that is what it was. On Saturday morning we would put all the flags up and then Monday afternoon we'd walk through and take them down. 

It wasn't until this year that I actually attended the ceremony held on Memorial Day. It was such a neat experience. There were a couple hundred people there and there were flags everywhere. It was such a great time of honoring those who have served our country and fought for our freedom. 

While I was there I was reminded that my own grandfather served in the army. I don't know what rank he was or where he went, but I know that he worked to make a difference for our country. I'm so thankful for the people who are willing to risk their lives for my freedom and safety.