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This is one of the "holidays" that stirs very mixed emotions in my heart.
Of course, I am proud and honored that so many brave souls took on the duty to fight and die in the name of freedom.
My mind and heart does not understand how you create good out of bad. It's kind of like beating a child to make him behave. The paradox baffles me.
I am the mother of an outstanding citizen who has chosen the United States Marine corp as his profession and on Mothers Day weekend I attended his promotion ceremony to lieutenant. I was presented a flag to display in my window to show that I have a child in the armed services.
Pride and fear have to co-exist. When he wanted to join at age 18, I told him he could but he was not allowed to shoot anyone or be shot at. That was said as a mother, but so far-so good. He has only had to go on humanitarian missions and to train recruits.
So, my memorial day prayer is for an end to the need for war. No mother should have to bury her child to acheive peace in this world.
I salute all members of the services and I thank you and I hope that your mission can one day be re-defined.
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