Remembering, Honoring, Thanking Those Who Served & Who Serve . . . and Taking Action

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them."

President John F. Kennedy

Memorial Day is always a special day to me and for so many people in our country. At its core, today is a day on which we remember, honor, and thank those who died in active military service, giving the ultimate sacrifice, and those who were injured either physically or emotionally. It is important to remember why they served and not to forget their sacrifices. But it would be easy to do so. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men and women have died to win them.”?As Americans, and for those who are fortunate enough to live in this country, today is our day to remember all of the people who came before us, who gave their lives so that we could live ours, and to celebrate them.

This day is also a time to thank our veterans and active-duty men and women, many of whom are in forward positions around the world. As I type and reflect on what these brave people are fighting for, I believe it’s all about protecting our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That surely includes our safety, our aspirations for a better future for our children and loved ones, and the opportunity to live our daily lives in peace.

So, on this day, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to reflect on the recent unthinkable events in Buffalo, Southern California, and Texas. I know we are all not just tremendously saddened by continued horrific killings in grocery stores, places of worship, and our schools, but most of us are frustrated, angry, and appalled at how this continues to happen in this country. As we read about how the individuals who committed these atrocities came into possession of military grade weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition with the clear intent of inflicting death and destruction, I ask myself, is this what our military heroes fought for? What would they think about seeing our American flag flying so frequently at half-mast and the fact that we are in a state of national mourning almost every week??19 young lives and two teachers lost just this week.?I have to say it. I hate to say it.

I started this note with a quote from President Kennedy because I do think he captured what this day is truly about. It is important to honor our brave heroes, both in memory and in life. But we also must reflect on what our individual roles can and should be related to gun violence. We all must take collective action to work toward meaningful change. To be very clear, this is not about taking guns away from Americans or even infringing on an individual’s right to possess sensible arms. Rather, it’s about common-sense gun laws and holding our elected officials accountable because today many are not. Something I think many of our military heroes agree with along with 90% of Americans.

So many Americans have died protecting our rights to live freely and safely – and their sacrifice included that right for innocent children and teachers at school, people in places of worship, and people simply trying to buy food. Chicago Bulls great and current Golden State Warriors coach, Steve Kerr, captured what many of us are feeling and he took a stand, publicly and directly:

?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voANUbQDjxE

As I have written many times, we should all look to days like today to give thanks . . . thanks to those who have died or were wounded defending this nation, those who protect us today, and those who keep us safe in our everyday lives --- our police, fire fighters, and medical professionals. Take time to reach out to someone serving in one of these groups or volunteer working with veterans who could use your support. Remember, honor, and support them.?But today I have to ask for more.?

Remember those who are dying every day because of senseless gun violence. You have a vote. You have a pen (or keypad).?Write and make it clear that you won’t vote for Senators and Representatives that are controlled by the National Rifle Association and who continue to vote against sensible gun laws. Don’t wait until this violence touches you, your family, your children.

You can’t buy liquor until you are 21.?You can’t drive without a license.?Does it make any sense that an 18 year old can buy two AR-15 assault rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition? On this day, take time to reflect on what you can do, through big or small actions, to make America the country we all want it to be without fear for our children’s lives at school or loved ones going about their daily lives.

You can make a difference and America needs everyone to step up and send a strong and clear message that we demand sensible gun control. ?President Thomas Jefferson once said, “One person with courage is a majority.”?Today, become the not so silent majority.?The real way to honor our heroes on Memorial Day??Become one.?

Wishing you, your families, and our Country health, happiness, and peace.?