Memorial Day. You have a choice.

Monday, May 26th our country will celebrate Memorial Day. Or will we? Will we celebrate the beginning of the summer, the end of the school year, the opening of the swimming pool, the launch of travel season, the first cookout of the season or will we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy in the greatest country in the world? You have a choice you know. It doesn't have to be either/or. It can be both.

Sadly, it seems many of us have chosen the easiest path to celebration on the last Monday of May each year. Perhaps, we have chosen to totally focus on the "me" side. What will make ME happy today? What events can I plan that will have ME having fun with MY family? And yet we wonder why our children are growing up not understanding the sacrifices made for them, the depth of loss that many have experienced in standing up for our country and the true heart of American patriotism. They will not learn if we do not teach them.

This year, especially as the war on terror continues to rage, I challenge you to take more than just a few moments to bow your head in thanks for the sacrifices given for our country. Sadly, some don't even do that much. Instead challenge yourself this year to take some time, some real time to share the original meaning of "Memorial Day" with your family.

You could begin your day with a visit to a local war memorial. Place a small flag on the grave of someone buried in your community who gave the ultimate American sacrifice during a time of war. Find out what Memorial Day observances are being made in your community and volunteer to make it a special day. Take part as a family. Watch one of the many movies that help us, the ones who have stayed on the homeland, see the horrors and the sad deep sacrifice of loss from war. Check your local listings for the various programs that will be on all through the weekend regarding Memorial Day. Take some time away from ESPN and the Food Network and watch the History Channel or another station that is commemorating the real meaning behind this holiday.

Folks, we've failed our children when we don't teach them to appreciate what they have and respect those brave souls who have been willing to give it all to make America the land of the free. And while it's also the home of the brave, let's remember that it's not the brave who choose to stay home. It's the brave who volunteer and go where they are called to keep the rest of us free. God protect those who voluntarily serve and willingly put themselves in harms way.

God bless your "Memorial Day" and may you truly honor and remember with respect.

Kelley Smith
Athens, Alabama
AFRW Americanism Chairman