Memorial Day is more than just a excuse to have a cook out.

We thank our cashiers at the grocery store and all they did was ring up our purchases.

We thank our waitresses, even leave them a monetary tip, and all they did was bring us our food.

Yet, how often do we thank the men and women who work to protect our families.  I get it.  Some people disagree with the government and see the military personnel as an extension.  Or maybe you are like me and just don’t always recognize a serviceman out of uniform.  Or maybe you fall under some other category. I am not here to put us all in a box.  The point is, serving our country is a thankless job.

I grew up a military brat.  I can recall countless times when my dad would shrug off praise or thanks, saying it was just his job.  It was just his job to save men’s lives.  It was just his job to fight on behalf of others.  It was just his job to protect complete strangers.

Well, as I stand in this day and age, I see so many men who are unwilling to stand up for those weaker than themselves.  I see so many people living for what pleases them, what they want.  I look at the world we live in and see a dangerous scary place.  I read countless news stories of people being attacked and witnesses NOT stepping up to help.

My dad would never not step up.  He has stepped up, in the profession he chose and outside of it.  And he didn’t like people making a fuss about what he did.  He hated ceremonies celebrating his work.

Thankfully my dad never paid the ultimate sacrifice.  But many did.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who kissed their families goodbye, like my daddy did.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who fought for an idea, to protect, or freedom, like my daddy did.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who didn’t come home, unlike my daddy, but like those he fought along side of.

These men and women deserve to be remembered.  Their families, friends and comrades deserve to be thanked.

THAT is what Memorial Day is.  So this Memorial Day thank someone who has or does serve in our military.