Memorial Day

I have always looked forward to Memorial Day as a reason to rest and enjoy a long weekend, but this year it meant much more. Before I met Matt, I'm embarrassed to say that the military never crossed my mind. I was certainly thankful for our service men & women, but I never had a personal connection to military.  Over the past four years, I've been introduced to a whole different world that really seems like a family, and I have a new appreciation for the sacrifices that were made by so many people. I'm especially thankful that we can set aside Memorial Day to honor them.

So far there have been 6,013 U.S. casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.  It's a number that I have a hard time wrapping my head around, but when I think that each person was some one's son or daughter or father or husband, it really breaks my heart. There is a website that keeps track of the casualties, and when you put a face with a number, it is powerful.  http://militarytimes.com/valor/

Having become friends with only a few of the men and women that we send across the sea to protect us, I have a sense of gratitude now that I have never felt so deeply. It really moves me to my core when I think about all of the soldiers over the years that have made a conscious decision to serve the USA, many of whom have given their lives. They willingly offered to go where they were needed, and do what they were asked, putting aside everything else.  I'm filled with joy to know that Matt is coming home soon, but at the same time, my heart breaks for the families that are sending their loved ones over to replace him.

I know that there are so many men & women currently deployed that don't have much support back at home.  While Matt has received many letters and boxes filled with more Little Debbie Cakes and baby wipes than anyone could possibly need, there were several of his "buddies" that rarely if ever got a letter or care package. So I'm determined to make what little impact I can by writing random soldiers. Hopefully, it will let them know that someone really cares. If you're interested in doing the same, here are two websites that are helpful:
http://www.anysoldier.com/
http://www.letterstosoldiers.org/