Lest We Forget

Memorial Day isn't just a day for mattress sales or for some, a holiday from work.

It's a day to remember our real heroes, not the fictional ones we authors conjure up in our minds for entertainment.

@Carsten Erier - http://www.dreamstime.com

The real heroes are those willing to put their lives on the line, if needs be, to protect our freedom and our country. Sometimes this dedication comes with a heavy price to not only themselves, but their families, as well as society in general. Their loss often goes unnoticed.

Let's not forget to be grateful to all those brave men and women, living and dead, who love their country more than themselves.

Thank you, Armed Forces!

Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com

It's a Mystery to Me, but I'm Grateful to Them by Morgan Mandel

Long ago when I was young, we had a draft. Young men were called up by a lottery system to serve in the unpopular Vietnam War. Some with low numbers became draft dodgers and fled to Canada. Many who  served didn't return home.

With the abolishment of the draft and the inclusion of women in the armed forces, those physically fit have a choice of whether or not to serve. I understand it's a steady paycheck, but still it's a risky occupation.

It's a mystery to me why anyone would want to serve, putting his or her life on the line, being apart from family and friends, going through strenuous training, answering to strict bosses, putting up with uncomfortable conditions, sometimes not even knowing who's your friend or enemy.

It takes guts to sign up for the armed forces, especially in our present wartime conditions. I'm afraid I couldn't do it, even if I were younger.

My hats go off to our armed forces people for their love of country and courage. Though they've never met me or almost everyone else they're protecting, that doesn't stop them.

They are a special breed, and I'm eternally grateful to them.

Morgan Mandel
http://spunkyseniors.blogspot.com/