Memorial Day brings up sorrow and pride

While waiting in line to check out in my latest excursion to Walmart I noticed the lady in front of me had a whole grocery cart filled with memorial bouquets and she looked as if she were much younger than I am.

I couldn’t help it, I got a lump in my throat and went up to her, a stranger, touching her on the arm and saying, “That’s too many flowers for one person to have to buy!”

She responded, “I know, but that’s where my whole family is … gone!”

I told her how sorry I was for all her losses, paid for my purchases and went out to my Jeep and wept for her, all her family and all those flowers.

So much sadness!

My heart broke for her and all those who have lost loved ones.

Memorial Day is coming and as I look down main street in Devils Lake and see all those banners of local men and women who have served in the military through the years, there is a lot of pride and, yes, a lot of sadness, too.

I remember when our soldiers were coming home from Vietnam and the reception many got as they landed in the states, some ducked into airport bathrooms to change clothes so they didn’t have their uniforms on. It was a time when so many people were venting their anger and disappointment at the years and years of losses in Vietnam, but it was directed at the soldiers themselves.

How horrible that must have been for them.

My brother served in Vietnam. My Uncle Vern did, too. Other uncles on both sides of the family served in Korea and even World War II.

I think about them and how it changed their lives to serve during war time.

There are people all around us who serve or have served our country.

As I think about them, I think about all the people whose lives they have touched. Where would we be without their bravery and willingness to serve?

To all of you, young and old, who served our nation and all of us, your brothers and sisters, who live a relatively safe and peaceful life here in the high plains of North Dakota because YOU fought for freedom, our freedom and yours.

I want to formally say, “Thank You!” We can’t say it enough.