It used to be called Decoration Day right after the Civil War. Now we call it Memorial Day. It’s all about remembering and honoring those men and women who have died for this country of ours.
There is no greater sacrifice than dying for others and dying to preserve the freedoms we believe in. I honor them with all my heart and soul.
This pic shows my part in fighting for this country, but I am lucky enough to be alive to write about it, and honor those who have fallen.
I would hope that you have some piece of family history still alive in your household if you have members who have served. Our country is based on taking up arms to preserve our freedoms. When the time comes, we have shown that we are ready, willing and able.
Memorial Day weekend is more than just the start of summer or an excuse to dust off the grill. It’s a sacred time to reflect and remember — honoring the brave souls who gave everything so we could live free, explore wide, BBQ by the pool, and roll where we choose.
For me, that purpose often takes shape behind the wheel of my Jeep, flag flapping in the wind, tires gripping dirt that runs deeper than just trail dust. I remember one particular ride where our group visited an old, nearly forgotten World War II outpost once used to train mountain troops. The weathered flagpole still stood tall, and we raised a fresh American flag in silence, saluting those who once stood there before us, in full gear, preparing for war in a far-off land.
That ride wasn’t about finding the hardest trail or the biggest challenge. It was about feeling history under the tires, honoring sacrifice with every mile, and recognizing that our ability to travel freely through this great land didn’t come without cost.
We waved to strangers that day. We picked up trash that wasn’t ours. We shared stories around the campfire of uncles, brothers, sisters, and friends who served.
So this Memorial Day weekend, whether you’re cruising the backroads with the family, BBQing by the pool, or sitting quietly under the stars — fly your flag high, drive with heart, and ride with reverence, and never forget.
This weekend, let’s honor those who gave all.
Rest in peace, all my brothers and sisters who have fallen to keep the rest of us safe and free.
Del