It's Not - 'Happy' Memorial Day

     The last Monday in May has been marked in all U.S. states since 1890. The first such day was in 1868. It's a day we mourn and honor those we lost.

     From our awful civil war to the military helicopter-airplane collision this spring in our nation's capital and any other recent losses, in battle or simply in training, it's a negative reality in "civilization." 

     Memorial Day is a time of somber recognition. For thousands of friends and family members, it is one of 365 days of sadness. Not only do people die in battle, in recent years many of our soldiers returning safely from conflicts abroad commit suicide.    ??? 

     I was drafted for two years, during which President Kennedy was shot. And Russians were sneaking into Cuba. After basic training, I never held a gun again. 

     A few years before that, in our school marching band, I participated in the Memorial Day parade up Main Street...stopping to hear a speech...stopping again while they tossed a wreath in the river...ending in the cemetery, where a 21-gun salute. Someday, my remains will "remain" up there.  

     I hope my heart, soul and mind will be up there in God's realm, and the same for you as well. 

              Jimmy