BY: GABBIE K.
Memorial Day is a day that honors and memorializes the fallen soldiers that have fought for our country when needed most. Many people living in America today have family members that served overseas, and even here on our homeland, to fight for the freedoms we have today. The day itself takes time to appreciate those that shall forever be remembered and thanked for their service, especially when they would much rather have been home with their families safe and sound. Every last Monday of May is dedicated to them as they risked their entire lives to save ours.
My family greatly celebrates the life of someone special and very dear to our hearts: my great-grandfather. While he didn’t pass while serving our country, which is the purpose of this holiday, the notion that he could have is alone a valid reason to honor him for all that he has ever done. He was more than a grandfather, a father, a brother, and a husband, though. He was the one that would make every single one of his children and grandchildren laugh with his charismatic personality. He would have spelling bee’s with me growing up before I even knew what in the world a spelling bee was. He took the time to hug everyone he loved goodbye, always making sure that his hugs were a permanent imprint on the lives of those he touched; one of those lives being myself especially.
My great-grandfather, who took time out of his day to fill his birdfeeder constantly as he rejoiced in the simple satisfaction of seeing a hummingbird stop by for a quick break. My great-grandfather, the one who took me for endless rides on lawnmowers through his yard to keep a little girl content through the hot summer days. My great-grandfather, who drank from the same yellow cup and kept it on the same spot right next to him while he sat in his chair. My great-grandfather, my papa.
Whether a person has lost a family member while serving, or after serving, they should always be honored and remembered. Their legacies live on forever, ask they risked everything just to make sure that we are all living the lives we have today. This day, full of many tears and mixed emotions, is so much more than family get-togethers and cookouts. Memorial Day is a day used to thank those that sacrificed everything and more just for us. We can never thank them enough.
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