Memorial Day - To the Fallen

As I write this, Memorial Day has passed and we are into the work week that follows. I find that Memorial Day is still stuck in my mind because, at this point in my life, I have become much more aware of what Memorial Day means. The sacrifice many have made is so vivid in the pictures of Arlington National Cemetery, that it grabs me and I wonder what all of those lives would want for us to make of the country that they gave their lives to preserve.

Growing up, I did not have veterans in my life so there was no face to associate with the day and it has taken many years for me to see and feel its depth. Memorial Day to me was cookouts and the beginning of summer - all great things but not things that tie you to the day and what it really means.

I have been lucky enough to have a job as a Government Contractor which has put me in direct contact with many veterans - and I have built a great respect for them. While I can't see life through their eyes, I can listen to stories of their past experiences and see the impact of the loss of comrades. That loss drives a will to make sure that our efforts are focused to provide the very best that we can for those who will be required to use the tools that we provide.

For me the motivation to do great work for a great county is memorialized on this day.