Foundational Fridays -- Memorial Day Meaning

This morning, I am putting in final preparations and practice on my comments being delivered this afternoon while I officiate the promotion of a former troop to full-bird Colonel. Seventeen years ago, I promoted this same person to Captain. It is amazing to see how much he has accomplished, and I'm once again honored to serve him in this manner.

As we pause to remember this coming Monday, Memorial Day 2024, and as I put on my Service Dress uniform for the first time in six months, it occurs to me this is the first Memorial Day in 30 years where I no longer where the cloth of America on Active Duty.

The torch of that service has been passed on to the next generation. Some of them will give their all, including breathing their last breath in service and sacrifice so my family and I can continue living a life of safety and security. A life free from fear and full of hope and promise. They are the bridge between our storied past and what I hope is a still surging future.

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Memorial Day Musings -- 2021

Please do not wish me a "Happy Memorial Day".

While catching up on some work email this morning, an unsolicited request for me to endorse a "no cost" contract was in the inbox with "Happy Memorial Day Shawn". First, I don't sign or respond to unsolicited emails from people I do not know, especially at work. Second, there is nothing "happy" about Memorial Day.

Methinks this person, from a private company, wasn't mal-intended, but doesn't understand when addressing a senior military official, they should know the context and conditions that led to our Nation, I think rightly, setting this day aside. It is to honor, remember, reflect, and respect all those military members who gave their last full measure of devotion in defense of our liberties and freedoms.

Those souls who swore an oath to defend the Constitution of this Nation ... the greatest republic in human history. Many of you know this adage, they wrote a blank check to our citizenry; they paid it in full, with a measure of devotion I pray my other brothers and sisters in arms never have to pay.

Many of you know my career and my history. The names, faces, and stories of a couple thousand Americans are seared into my heart, head, and soul. Every single one gave their last full measure of devotion in service. I buried many of them. Too many of them.

I was responsible for ensuring nearly two thousand American sons and daughters that we lost in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Northern Africa during the height of wartime operations in Iraq and Afghanistan were returned home with dignity, honor, and respect. It was a solemn duty, and I was moved and motivated to get it done well.

Memorial Day isn't about lionizing our lost Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, or Coast Guardsmen; it is a day to simply say a prayer and offer our silent, solemn gratitude that such humans lived, and died, so that we may live free, safe, and secure. Provide well wishes to a veteran on Veteran's Day. Today, just say thank you to those we've lost and remember your freedom came at a price someone else paid.