remembering.

today hurts my heart. i have a hard time saying "happy" memorial day. because it represents sacrifice, death,and loss to so many families.

i don't think i can ever even come close to putting into words how i feel about today quite like i did in this post from last year.

so for today, i'll just share it again.

forever indebted to those who sacrificed everything they had for us. forever grateful. forever heartbroken for those they left behind.

although it is always nice to hear thank you as a military family, that's not what today is about.

today is about thanking those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

but thank you just doesn't seem like enough, does it?

xo

s

Comments

[jennifer Camplin]

I just waking up.. remember this day is not only for good time with cookout.

My first thought the word was "remembering".

Thank for the reminder.

hugs to families for this day and daily.

[Renee Graham]

National Moment of Remembrance act encourages everybody to keep silent for a minute, exactly at 3.00 pm (local time) when 'Taps' is played and reflect on the glory of those who have shed blood for us. Your post was once again beautifully written! Thank you-

[kat]

beautifully put. i feel the exact same way.

[Valerie]

Thank you for reminding me what today is about.

[Latrice]

Thank you for being a strong army wife and making sacrifices daily sweets. J is a lucky man and we are lucky to have him helping protect our freedom. Big hugs to you and your girls. You deserve to have a great day.

[sharron]

I watched the Battle of Wanat last night on Dateline...thought of your J and his Men and their sacrifices...during and after the show.
Now that is the REALITY TV we should all be watching!
Coming from a long line of Military Veterans who have served in every branch I know that Freedom is never free.
Blessings to them all on this special day...

[Sarah H]

Words definitely aren't enough, but nothing really would be. We are a blessed nation to have so many who gave their lives for us.

[steph h]

That last picture is so powerful and so very sad. I think the thank you to all military families on this day is because this is a reality you live with every day. Sending love to you.

[Sherry]

What a powerful photo!

[Alissa]

Oh Steph you always bring tears to my eyes!! That picture of the coffins is heart wrenching. Thank you to to your family and to all of the other military families that fight for the freedom of all Americans!!!

[Debbie Miller]

:'(

[Dawn Tavela]

I think many people just treat it as another holiday weekend. They do not think about the true meaning. If they really thought about the 'true meaning' it would not seem like a holiday at all.

[Barb @ getupandplay]

It's rainy and gloomy right now where I am (in Utah) which fits the somber mood that we should have on this day of remembrance. Thanks for the reminder.

[Pat]

Thanks for reminding all of us how "sacred" this day really is.

[Danielle Barton]

Thank you. So very very true.

[Amber]

Good reminder. So glad those (terribly moving and sad) photos are being allowed to be shown now. I think some people (me included) just forget. When you see something like that it's hard for it not to leave a mark.

[Sharon]

Stephanie, you said it perfectly. I don't think people realize the huge sacrifice the military men and their families make unless they have been closely involved themselves. Thanks for reminding everyone:)

[Keshet]

This brings tears to my eyes. Especially that last photo--so haunting. Thinking of these families today.
I saw a heartbreaking photo essay once of the journey of slain soldiers back home, and their families waiting for them on the tarmacs. It was a few years ago, but I can still see the pictures in my mind.

[PattiP]

I am so with you on this, Stephanie. It is especially on my mind this year as my son deploys to Afghanistan this week. It is a day of serious remembrance, and oh so hard for families who have lost loved ones in service to our country.

[Stacey]

Hi Stephanie. That is a very nice post. My grandfather was killed in Germany in World War II. My grandmother was only 25 yrs. old and my mother was 1 yr. old. He was buried at Arlington and we visit Arlington when we go to Maryland in the summer and Christmas. Our girls understand the sacrafice that the soldiers make for our country. It is nice to see others understanding too.

[glorygirl]

So very appreciative of families like yours that sacrifice so much for our country.

[sherried]

Steph,
Beautifully written. Thank you for the reminder.

[tracy]

Feeling the meaning and power of this day firsthand as my nephew leaves tomorrow for Army Boot Camp. You do this Army business with a grace that is enviable. Let all of our soliders be safe.

[Kim S.]

our hometown lost a young soldier to combat in Afgahanistan last week. we are remembering and honoring him. exactly what this day is about.

[Chris]

I struggle with Memorial Day every year, bristling when it is touted as a day for sales and "Happy Memorial Day" wishes. I can only imagine how that feels to the families whose loved ones have made the ultimate sacrifice...Having lost friends, I think "Remember Memorial Day" is much more fitting.

[Marla]

No, "thank-you" doesn't seem like enough.

[Frklfac]

What a beautiful piece. Last years brought on the tears. Memorial Day is just a day to highlight this but it's everyday I think of you, and families like you sacrificing for us. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. xo

[Tinka]

The photo of the flag-draped coffins is heart-breaking and reminds me of my father, whose Air Force reserve unit was called up during Vietnam. He flew 36 missions during that time, generally transporting cargo to the troops. But there were occasions when they flew the slain soldiers home and it was something he never really got over.

[andrea g.]

that is the saddest picture ever. :(