Greg J. Schloesser:  Something to Remember

Memorial Day seems to be one of those holidays that people take advantage of, but rarely really consider its purpose or true meaning.  Memorial Day was officially established shortly after the U.S. Civil War to pay respects to those who had fallen during the course of service to our country.  Usually this means military personnel, but it can also be civilians.  Anyone who has died during service to our country is to be honored. 

Like most Americans, I tend to use this holiday as a chance to take a break from work, perhaps take a small vacation, or maybe just relax around the house.  Sadly, I often forget to bow my head and give thanks for those who have died protecting and serving our country.  For all its faults, our country is still a great place to live.  I have the freedom to travel where and when I want.  I have the freedom to choose my profession.  I have the freedom to basically do just about anything I desire within the confines and restrictions of a civilized society.  A LOT of people have died to establish these freedoms and make sure they are maintained.  They didn’t know me and I didn’t know them.  But, they put their life on the line for me and everyone else who lives here.  The very least I can do is to take a few minutes once a year to bow my head and give thanks for their sacrifice.

This Memorial Day weekend, Gail and I are headed north to Cincinnati for a mini-gathering of gaming friends.  The weekend is being hosted by the families of Dale Yu, Scott Tullis and John Palagyi.  Traveling to Cinci will be Tyler & Valerie Putman, Warren & Sharon Madden, Craig Berg & family, and the Schloessers.  We will eat, sight-see, laugh and, of course, play some games.  It should be a wonderful weekend of merriment, joy and friendship.  During the weekend, however, I’m going to make sure we all take a minute to remember that oppotunities to gather like this without fear of danger or injury are possible due to the sacrifices of thousands upon thousands of people, both past and present.  That is something none of us should forget.

© 2006 Greg Schloesser

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I too like to remember how much life was lost in various wars and although I’m not primarily a wargamer I’ll often play a wargame on Memorial Day.  I’m also blessed with having some friends that play monster wargames not too far from my house and will join them Monday for part of a session of their War in Europe campaign (they started in January!).  I took some photos last time I was there: http://www.flickr.com/photos/96076198@N00/sets/72157594144581505/ Posted by Ray Petersen on May 26, 2006 at 08:20 AM | #

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