I forgot to turn off my alarm on a sleep-in morning here in Kennewick, Washington. I was writing here in the dark hoping not to disturb my still sleeping wife. However, between the dogs needing to go outside, a tragic Diet Coke spill, and other hotel guests starting to stir, she’s slowly and reluctantly waking up.  The Diet Coke must have frozen in the refrigerator and I didn’t notice in the dark that it had overflowed upon opening. It made a sticky mess that caused further disruption, so she’s up among the living. So much for trying to be quiet.

Soon, I’ll be pushing a stroller holding our 25-pound “old lady” schnauzer along the neighborhood sidewalks. My wife and our younger pup will try to keep pace as I run ahead. I’ll be thinking of all the veterans that I need to acknowledge today. They’ve given me the freedom to run everyday, enjoy retirement, travel extensively, and live a wonderful life. They made the sacrifices, while I reaped the benefits. There’s always a certain amount of guilt associated with Memorial Day because I never took the opportunity to serve our country as they did.

The Vietnam draft was an unforgettable moment in my life where I was fortunate while others were not. I was attending college and afraid to go to war. A high draft number enabled me to continue with my education as many of my peers were sent into battle. To this day, I have no idea how I would have handled combat? I’ve only shot a gun recreationally and have never spent more than a single night in a tent. Once more, I’ve never been separated from family and friends, been too scared to sleep, or tested with killing an enemy. I don’t know how I would have adapted to war, but many others somehow did. Some did not come back. This is why I honor them today. 

Grandparents, fathers, relatives, friends, and strangers all fought for me. Some died or were severely injured. There are no words to express this level of sacrifice. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your service not just on Memorial Day but every day of my life.