Some Gave All

“On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country”
from the Boy Scout Oath


“Love your country and live with pride
And don't forget those who died…
All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue
And some had to fall…
Think of all your liberties and recall
Some gave all”
Billy Ray Cyrus, from the song “Some Gave All.”

It’s Memorial Day. Time for family and barbecues. Time for sales, and cheap political opportunism. Time for a day off of work. Time to get in your car and drive to a get-together. I guess it’s time to be American, in any guise that may take.

I have many thoughts this day, about what it means to be an American. About the freedoms that we profess to love, but in practice give away with no remorse or acknowledgement. About the greatness we’ve achieved on the work of previous generations, and whether we’re willing to continue that. About the tragedy of war, and how truly horrible a thing it is. I am not a pacifist; war is sometimes necessary. But it should always, always, always be a last resort.

I have become a huge fan of the ever-controversial “Vox Day,” but I want to point out his latest column - http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50415 – which flatly asserts the need for a new political party. I’ve been saying this for years, even as I wonder whether we’ll ever be allowed to see one succeed.

Yeah, I’ve been thinking about America. And I hope that you do, too, in the midst of your busy weekend.

But in the midst of all this, take time to think about what Memorial Day is really about. Remembering.

Remember those who gave their lives for us.
Remember those sons and daughters who never came home.
Remember those fathers and mothers who never got to watch their children grow up.
Remember every sacrifice made in the name of freedom, freedom that we’re throwing away.
Remember those who were never whole again in either body or spirit, because of what they lost.
Remember every dream that never came true, every life cut short – for you and me!
Remember that some gave all.

Remember.