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Editor’s Note: Something Nobody Wants to Talk About – Part 4 resumes next week.

When you write, first rule of thumb – write what you know. And I’m the first to admit there are a lot of things I don’t know in this life but friends, one thing for sure that I do know? My huge respect, pride and love for the men and women who have fought for freedoms, against oppressors and for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness throughout history.

Memorial Day . . . a sentimental day, a touching powerful day, a day of memories of those who left warm beds, hot biscuits and loving arms around them to fight battles, wars and conflicts only to be hurt, to suffer and to die never seeing their home, family or loved ones again.

Sorry to speak so frankly, but to the insensitive, the misguided, to the simply uninformed or down right unpatriotic, this holiday where many workplaces close on Monday in observance of Memorial Day . . . this day off is not really about a day off with pay. It’s not about buying a pair of shoes or a fishing rod for cheap. It’s about men and women who have donned uniforms representing our United States military who have suffered, bled and died in defense of the greater good.

I’m not addicted to Facebook; however, I do look at it each day at least for a few minutes and there I see requests for prayer for the sick, heartsick or dying. I also see inspirational postings too of incredible military personnel who have outstanding records of heroism and uniforms weighted down with medals of all kinds for their very deserved recognition. And sometimes an old black and white photo of men loved by many proudly standing for a pic, no countless medals, just in a Private’s (Pvt) uniform, bravely and eagerly ready to “go at it” with the enemy. I also see pictures of soldiers who died because of their service in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Afghanistan beside passages written by grieving wives and children who miss their husband or father, brother or granddad. I see pictures sometimes of the beautiful red poppies, white crosses and bowed heads that invoke whispered prayers of “I love you honey,” “I miss you baby,” “My heart has hurt every without you,” accompanied by excerpts of writings about how they dread living the rest of their lives without their soldier, seaman, airman or Marine.

Memorial Day reflects our history, our strength, and our lonely battlefields where American blood was shed sometimes in the dark of night, alone with no one to hold onto, to pray with, to be comforted by in those last hours or moments of life. Our veterans . . . our men and women . . . OUR HEROES.

This special time each year conjures up thankfulness for the countless who sacrificed their life for us. If you are a veteran who fought to preserve life and made it home, we salute you. We love you and we are proud. You are due incredible respect. If you’re reading this, we thank our good Lord for you and we ask your forgiveness for our failing sometimes to show you we celebrate that you are here with us to also remember your brothers and sisters who aren’t.

As for me, I am a grateful widow. Sad and broken hearted that I am a widow, but grateful God blessed me with a husband who loved Him, leaned on Him, had faith in Him, no matter what he faced himself. Who loved this country, loved his brothers and sisters he fought beside, was mended by, that prayed over him and that he wept over. I am grateful that my blessing from God Almighty (my husband) inspired me to love our flag more than ever, to stand up for it, to cherish her glory and what she represents.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day when on May 5, 1868 General John A. Logan issued a proclamation for Decoration Day to be observed annually and held nationwide. Eventually, in 1971 it became an official federal holiday.

We should all feel a mix of emotions this weekend when we enjoy family time together. We should feel the loss of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, but we should be happy to know those brave men died because they loved us, too.

Until next time everybody, be happy, safe and proud. Love each other, have faith in what you might not always see but who is always there. Be proud Americans and never, ever let anyone or anything take your joy, your love or you pride in America away. God bless you all and please call 252-202-2058 or email me at giglineheroes@aol.com or contact Patty O’Sullivan, our Dare County Veteran Service Officer at 252-475-5604 or email her at dcvac@darenc.com if you know a veteran who needs some help. Next week, I’ll resume with Part 4 of “Something Nobody Wants to Talk About.” Stay tuned!

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