Da Goddess

Wrapping Up?

I was thinking of how I wanted to wrap up things after Memorial Day Weekend and I realized that there is no real way to do so. That coupled with the fact that I don't want to makes it a difficult chore. You see, I believe that Memorial Day should be every day. Not just once a year.

Every time you get in your car to go to the store, pick a child up from school, watch television, use your computer, promote your cause, and/or buy that new geegaw, you are living the Liberty that someone died fighting for you to have. Shouldn't a small part of your day be spent in gratitude for that gift?

But, people generally don't think that way. Too sentimental. Too....patriotic.

Not me. And that's what makes it so difficult to move on to regular, mundane posting - you know, my normal stuff. Then again, that's why the Memorial Day Project is important to me. In its infancy, we have so much to do! Gathering stories and photos takes time. Getting the site looking decent takes time (thankfully this isn't my department!) Creating a place where people can remember our brave men and women every single day takes time. It's also a wonderful way to discover new heroes. Real heroes. The kind who made America possible.

But there's more.

One of the many beliefs I've long held is that it's not enough to honor the dead. The true way to honor those who have served is to honor those who serve today. By supporting the men and women who are out there in harm's way, continuing to defend Freedom.

And that's why I believe so strongly in Spirit of America.

Ah, yes. You were waiting for that to come around again, weren't you?

Since we last gathered together at Camp Pendleton, people have been busily at work (alternate link here), creating new opportunities for others, like you and me, to help. Much was done behind closed doors and many waited to be able to come forward with details. Now there are details. There are alot of ways you can help now . And more will be unveiled.

People are giving. Not always with money or requested gear. They are giving their time and their expertise in a variety of areas. Everyone has a role to play here. Whether it's writing a letter to your congressperson or calling your mom on the phone to tell her about the power of the American people, we can all be a part of positive change in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. Our freedoms can be their freedoms. More importantly, we can help them make the transition to being self-sufficient. We can bring them the tools, education, and resources they need to stand on their own. WE can do that! And it doesn't involve politics. It doesn't mean you have to adopt any special ideology. If you believe in helping others, that's all you really need.

And then you ask how this could possibly tie in with honoring those who serve. Through our donations and efforts, we're showing the people in other parts of the world that we care. We're willing to open that door and shake someone's hand, offer them a little bit of hospitality and comfort. Collectively, we are the olive branch. Power of the people - like never before.

Think of it. You live in a war-torn nation. Everything around you is chaos as rebels tell you that the soldiers from other countries want to kill you. All the while those soldiers from other countries are bringing you things you need. Things to make your life better. It's harder to hate and hurt those who are bringing you medicine, food, clothing, tools, toys and notebooks and pencils for your children. So you come to believe the soldiers aren't the bad guys. They really mean to help you.

Our military provides us with the means to get those items to the people in need. You don't have to be a fan of the military or a war monger to grasp the concept that they are the perfect means to that end. Additionally, they benefit from your generosity as much as the people they're helping.

The big bonus: you get to feel good about doing something! For reaching out.

It's a win-win-win situation.

This is what Americans can do when they work together. This is the real Spirit of America. And this is what Marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors have fought to protect since America was founded - the spirit and power that comes from the freedom to band together and create solutions.

That spirit is more present now than any time in recent memory. It's precisely that spirit that truly honors our veterans, living and dead. It's what honors those who serve today.

So ultimately, wrapping up Memorial Day? Not really. I'll continue to avoid doing so. This feels more like Christmas! And you can't wrap things up with Memorial Day when it's Christmas, can you? Instead of wrapping things up, I've (we've) been given many gifts to unwrap. The gifts of being able to give, to help, to participate. It all ties in. So beautifully.

I'm willing to help in whatever way possible. Are you?

Posted by DaGoddess at June 1, 2004 02:58 PM