Ashamed to admit...

I am ashamed to admit this, but I was one of those Americans that forgot what the real reason of Memorial Day really was all about.  Before Chad enlisted into the Marine Corps, it really was a holiday weekend to have an extra day off, cook out, maybe go to the lake, and basically celebrate.  However, now that we are on the other side of things and our Blue Star http://www.bluestarmothers.org/ has turned to Gold http://www.goldstarfamilyregistry.com/ my perspective has drastically changed (to say the least).  It s my hope that more and more Americans become more aware of the true meaning of this holiday http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day and truly remember those service men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Not just because my son is one of them, but because that is what this holiday is truly all about.
Tebo and I plan to attend the Memorial Day Service at the Fayetteville National Cemetery today where Chad is laid to rest and not just to honor him, but all fallen heroes.  I read an article and watched a video of a man, Chris Hayes (you can search for him yourself as I don't respect him enough to want to even share the link) who says "he is uncomfortable calling our fallen heroes, heroes...  Well, I hate to tell you Chris Hays, but my son (and I know the other sons and daughters who have given the ultimate sacrifice families would say) was my hero before he ever enlisted in the USMC and was even more of my hero during his enlistment and more so when he paid the ultimate price to allow you (Chris Hayes) the freedom to do whatever it is you do!  I realize he (Chris Hayes) served and I guess I'm just shocked these words came out of his mouth.  Don't get me wrong, I would like to believe that it was not his intent to offend anyone with his words, but for me (a Gold Star mom of one of those heroes), I AM OFFENDED and if I allowed myself I could truly be pissed, but I will choose the high road and honor MY HERO today along with all the other fallen HEROES today and honestly, I will throw a little smug look towards Mr. Chris Hayes as I do this!
For all the Blue Star Families who had their starts turn Gold before ours, I'm sorry for not having taken this holiday more to heart as which it is intended.  For those that aren't as aware of military families truly go through and especially the brothers in arms that lost one of their own, please remember them all today and everyday.  It's not only a hard job for these men and women serving, but it's a hard job for the families who support unconditionally their commitment and sacrifice that (yes they made willingly) give on a daily basis.
We still have lots of men and women in harms way and while we go on with our fun filled weekend and our daily lives, they are in extreme danger and have family and friends back home supporting them and helping them get through their hellish life in the midst of war.  Let us not forget those serving, but certainly the ones that did not return home.

My son on his happiest day 9-18-09

His memorial service on what would have been his 23rd birthday (5-25-11) at Camp Pendleton, CA