the utmost respect.

Happy Memorial Day!

On a day designated to commemorate all U.S. men and women who have served in some form of military service, it's hard to believe that the day isn't celebrated in a higher regard. So, before I start, thank you. I don't think thank you is even near enough to express the gratitude I have for those who have fought.

Last night I sat with my dad and watched the 20th annual National Memorial Day Concert via PBS as they honored all these amazing men and women who risk their lives for their country. During this concert, they shared stories of courage and bravery that we're more inspiring than anything I've ever listened to. I sat there with my dad and I realized, teary-eyed, that war effects everyone so differently, yet it all leaves a mark. For my grandfather it was moving from Germany to the states, experiencing WW1 and then fighting for America in WW2. For my father it was knowing he had a father that served. Though he was young there was the Korean War, then the Iran-Iraq War, The Vietnam War, The Gulf War and the now ever-present War on Terror. And now, here I am, 21 years old, watching my country in the midst of the War on Terror.

Although everyone experiences something different, one thing remains the same, those who fought, fought with the utmost courage and deserve to be recognized. It's easy to become separated from it all. It's easy to go on with life as though nothing is really happening because it's so far away, right? Wrong, and although I won't ever fight in a war, and it might seem like it isn't affecting me.... it is. And, as a citizen of America, I won't ever forget and I won't ever forget to say thank you.