We’ve traveled the world and seen lots of memorials – tombs, carvings, castles, churches, gravestones, obelisks, pyramids, statues, plaques, and historical markers. However, it’s good to be home for Memorial Day. A friend staying with us is celebrating a birthday today, and I will be delivering a present to my granddaughter who just turned 14. We’ve already enjoyed the annual fireworks and symphony performance, watched the Indy 500 with 31 of our neighbors, and I’ve gotten my running streak back to a 5k routine. Tally is back in her chair that is supposedly my chair, and I’ll be content to spend a quiet Monday, holiday simply relaxing. Of course, I’ll keep in mind those that sacrificed their lives for our overall benefit.

My Great Grandfathers, Grandfathers, father, fathers-in-law, birth father, and friends all served our country. Wives did their part in keeping the family together during this time of service. Thoughts of visiting Normandy in the course of our travels comes to mind, and the pride of being an American. I was fortunate to have avoided Viet Nam and still reluctant to travel there, with so many other places to visit. 

From the Avenue of the Sphinxes and the King’s Highway to Abbey Road, we’ve returned safely to celebrate another Memorial Day from a great journey. We’re thankfully back to a country where the toilets flush properly and you’re not obligated to pay to pee. Sure, we have our share of issues, but it’s still the greatest land in the world. “Home Sweet Home” and “God Bless America.” There’s no need to carve stone for me, my life experiences have truly been a Memorable Memorial.