Memorial Day Tribute
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"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press,
It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech,
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate,
It is the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial,
It is the soldier who salutes the flag,
Serves under the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."
-- Father Dennis Edward O’Brian, USMC
I'll be the first to admit that I used to associate Memorial Day with barbecues at the beach, baseball games and big sales at all of the department stores and car dealerships. But the holiday has taken on a much deeper meaning for me ever since the day my father was interred at Arlington National Cemetery. As a former Captain in the United States Marines Corps, George Robert Mueller received an honorable burial complete with a caisson, a military band and a 21-gun salute. The ceremony gave me chills, and I don’t think I ever felt more proud to be his only child and son.
Though he didn't die on the battlefield, my father was active in the military during the Vietnam era. He lost many of his best friends in that War, though it was always a difficult thing for him to talk about. I was actually named after one of my father's best friends from his days in the Marines.
Ironically, my dad passed away from pancreatic cancer just weeks before the day of the dreaded 9-11 attacks. Since he used to have an office in the World Trade Center, I sometimes think it is a kind of blessing that my father didn't live to see that fateful day. It would have broken his heart for sure. When my mother and I finally had my father inurned in the Columbarium at Arlington a full two years after his death, there was still visible damage to the Pentagon building -- another fateful reminder of this nation’s "second day of infamy."
Shortly after my father was put in his final resting place, I remember walking around the National Mall with my uncles, all of whom are veterans. Since my Uncle Donn served in Korea as a paratrooper, we made a point to stop at the Korean War Veterans Memorial. It is a magnificent piece of work, complete with statues of American soldiers marching in full combat gear, a granite mural with over 2,000 photographs sandblasted into the surface and a tranquil pool of remembrance. What I remember most of all, though, is a small wall behind the Memorial with a simple yet powerful inscription: "FREEDOM IS NOT FREE."
Though we don't do it nearly enough, Memorial Day is at least one day on which all Americans are called upon to remember the price that comes with of our basic freedoms. As great as it is to get time off from work, today is dedicated to all those who have laid down their lives in order to preserve our American way of life. Throughout the course of our nation's great and noble history, it has only been the sacrifices of the brave men and women in our military that has earned us the very liberties most Americans now take for granted. With a shaky economy, rising gas prices and the increasing cost of food these days, it is easy to forget how fortunate we are to live in the greatest country in the world. But forgetting is something we can't ever afford to do!
In the immortal words of Captain John H. Miller from the movie Saving Private Ryan, "Earn this!" Personally, I realize that there is nothing I can possibly do to ever earn the countless graces and blessings I receive every day by virtue of being an American citizen. But each Memorial Day, I say a prayer for our nation's fallen war heroes. And then, I rededicate myself to being the best person I can be in every aspect of my life... so that their sacrifices shall not have been made in vain.
Now, I realize that Memorial Day is intended to commemorate the American men and women who have died in military service to their country. But, I would also like to take this opportunity to send a heartfelt message of gratitude to everyone currently serving in our armed forces. May God bless you, protect you and bring you home safely to your families!
And to anyone reading this that may have lost friends or family members in military service, I would like to extend my sincere condolences for your loss. Nothing I can say will take away your sorrow, but in the spirit of Memorial Day, I would like to close with the following words from Abraham Lincoln:
"I pray that our heavenly father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."
All of us at eDiets wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day. May we cherish our freedoms and always remember to honor those who gave everything they had in order to preserve them. And may God continue to bless this great nation of ours!
-- Glenn Mueller, senior writer/editor
Labels: holidays
Comment: Saturday, May 24, 2008 8:53:00 PM - 
said...
What a pleasure to find that there are still a few Americans left that still admire and respect our military. I am a former member of the 82nd Airborne Division, US Army, and I am proud of my service and our country. Too bad the compainers don't realize their freedoms are not free.
Comment: Sunday, May 25, 2008 10:37:00 PM - said...
That was without doubt, one of the most beautiful and indeed moving tributes to our those who've lost their lives for our country. And my condolences to you over the death of your father. He may not have died serving our country but he was a veteran none the less.
God bless you. MJ
Comment: Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:14:00 PM - said...
Thank you for your personal comments. As you have experienced, it is as we remember our own loved ones who have passed away that we realize the gift of life and become grateful anew for those who risked or lost their lives for our country. May those who have suffered loss know that we are thankful for your sacrifice and wish you God's comfort and peace in the coming year.
Comment: Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:43:00 PM - said...
Thanks from an Air Force Captain in the Nurse Corps!! I am honored to serve in our military and grateful when those who are currently in harms way are remembered! God Bless.
Comment: Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:46:00 PM - said...
Thank you for the reminder of what Memorial Day really is about. In this fast paced world we often glace over what it really is meant to be. God Bless our troops, past and present.
Comment: Sunday, May 25, 2008 11:58:00 PM - 
bvgardner said...
Glenn, Thank you for so eloquently expressing the true meaning of Memorial Day. God bless your father and family for the service they have performed for our country.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 12:52:00 AM - said...
One of the most poignant passages I have read in a long time! It touched me deeply. I wish that all americans would read and feel this as I do. We are truly blessed and should appreciate all that we have as a result of the sacrifices of others!
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 12:57:00 AM - said...
A very nice tribute. I couldn't have said it better.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 1:22:00 AM - said...
Thank you for that lovely and touching tribute. God bless the men and women who are serving and have served this country.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 8:14:00 AM - said...
As a mother of two American soldiers and the daughter,daughter-in-law and wife of decorated veterans, I would like to thank you for remembering and acknowledging the American service men and women.
Mrs Shires,USA
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 10:16:00 AM - said...
That was a fantastic memorial in honor to our loved ones & our nation. It really touched my heart. God bless you.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 11:06:00 AM - said...
Though I have never served in the military, I have known many who have, a brother, many uncles, etc,etc. Having grown up during the Vietnam era, I know how poorly the people of this nation treated those returning veterans. I ache now to hear how some would like to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq and punish them for fighting a fight they dont believe in, but we all need to remember the soldier is doing our bidding and doing thier very best to protect us and all our freedoms. I know several soldiers who have served multiple tours in Iraq and have said they would gladly go again because they feel they are doing a very important job over there. My hats off to your dad and all others who have served for our nation. I love the quote and it is sooooooo true, "All gave some, Some gave all." God Bless Our Troops.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 11:19:00 AM - said...
This is one of the best tributes to our troops that I have read yet. It is written from the heart.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 12:30:00 PM - 
Sue Bowling said...
Thank you for your beautiful Memorial Day Tribute to your Father and to our troops serving now and in the past. I don't have anyone serving at the present time, but I feel all our troops are a part of our family and need our love and support. God bless you and our troops and may they get the respect and love they truly deserve.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 1:12:00 PM - said...
Excellent! Thank you for reminding me and others what this day really means.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 1:22:00 PM - said...
My daughter is a soldier in the United Staes Army. She completed basic during the Summer of her junior year of high school, came back home and graduated high school, and will leave again for Fort Leonard Wood, MO. September 11, 2008. She is very proud of her service and put on her uniform today and attended the Memorial Day services in our town, Celina, Ohio. At her high school graduation she was purposely not recognized for her service as a way to punish her for not being a cookie-cutter image. Shame on our principal and vice principal both.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 3:59:00 PM - said...
Thank you, God for compelling me to take the time to read your inspiring tribute.... God Bless us all and keep us strong for our future generations!
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 4:58:00 PM - versicherungen said...
I like you post. Thanks for your post.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 5:34:00 PM - said...
God bless America and all the men and women who serve in the military to keep our country free. Bless all of them who gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. May they all rest in peace.
Comment: Monday, May 26, 2008 8:10:00 PM - said...
I wish Americans as a whole would slow down and adopt your point - we must be the best we can be to honor the sacrafices of others. Freedom isn't free and many Americans forget that as we live in our comfy homes with our cushy jobs. Thank you for your tribute.
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:04:00 AM - said...
Thank you for the great acknowledgement of service men and women, past and present. I just want to add that our local parade was also an awesome tribute to the sacrifices made. Local sevice organizations passed out flags prior to the parade and it provided me the opportunity to share with my pre-school grandson what the flag stands for and why we respect it and how we are to treat it. My 7 year old granddaughter recited the Pledge of Allegiance when she received her flag. Thank you to all service individuals who have secured my freedoms. God Bless one and all. LD
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 9:27:00 AM - said...
From a retired Air Force troop - Thank you, Glenn.
It is always uplifting to read such words, and to know someone is spreading the word of REMEMBRANCE.
Too often we 'celebrate' with parties, picnics, barbecues, etc. and forget why and how we are free to do so.
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:33:00 AM - said...
What is most important for ALL Americans, including those who come legally to become citizens of this great nation... FREEDOM IS NOT FREE on any terms... it requires sacrifice from all its citizens-- EVERY DAY!
PROTECT, HONOR & SERVE--
GOD BLESS AMERICA & KEEP HER STRONG! -FROM THE GRANITE STATE:
"LIVE FREE OR DIE!"
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 12:28:00 PM - Barbara Paine said...
Glenn, your tribute to your father and to all of those men and women who served their country, some giving the ultimate. I agree with you about Arlington National Cemetery. My mother was a pilot in WWII - she was one of the women flyer's who flew planes from the plants to the men (she flew for the Navy). She was then assigned to the War Department and is interred at Arlington. My father was a naval pilot, and my husband flew B-52's in Vietnam. When you look out at all the brave Americans who are resting there it is an awesome and solemn site. God Bless you and all who serve.
Barbara S Paine
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:11:00 PM - said...
I loved your message.
Today I was bothered by a comment made by a TV movie critic. He was reviewing "Grace Is Gone". He said the people (Americans) don't want to see movies about the war in Iraq but this was a good story of a fathers relationship with his daughters worth watching. Why have so many people forgotten that we were attacked. They came to our shore and attacked in more than one location. If we had not taken action how many more places would they have been FREE to attack in our country.
I am very proud, and afraid for, my nephew who joined the Army against his parents wishes because he felt it was right. Once he made it clear he was enlisting his parents hearts changed and they are so very proud of him. Naturally they still fear for his safety. He has served one tour in Iraq where he lost a few members of his unit. We pray for him, and all of our service people everywhere, each day. They and their families give up so much everyday that most of us take for granted.
Yes, war is evil. Yes, we all wish to find other ways to end differences. Yes, we need to be ready to protect and defend our people and our country. Thank God for the Americans willing to serve!
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:13:00 PM - said...
Thank you for your wonderful and sincere tribute to all americans who have served and are serving in the arm forces. Many of us myself included forget what Memorial Day is about. My father also served during World War II. Like many young men he enlisted at the age of seventeen because he felt it was his duty as an american. His daughters did not even know he had received metals for various things. We did not find out these things until he passed away. He never spoke about the war. Our freedom is a very precious thing we should all be honored to be "Americans" God Bless you for this beautiful tribute. SA
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 1:57:00 PM - said...
This was a beautifully written article and I will definitely view and observe Memorial Day differently from now own.
Comment: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 4:35:00 PM - Andy said...
Well said! It is always easier to complain about the direction of the boat when you're not manning the oars. Our service members give up many of their freedoms for a time in order that others may live in peace, safety and freedom. As a veteran I have observed that those who seem to complain the most are frequently those who never served and yet enjoy, and sometimes abuse, the freedoms that have been bought with the blood of others. Someone had to go, and they did. Someone had to defend, and they have. May the fallen find their rest and the complainers their conscience. Thanks for remember those who didn't make it home.
Comment: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 7:22:00 AM - said...
Your comment made me remember that our President sent our troops to battle with the words that this would be a long fight and that they would need our support. As a mother of a former Navy man, I know how it feels to be up at night and worried about all the reports that come across the news. Our son said, it's my job and I think all Americans should remember these boys are doing just that. Their job. Thanks for the tribute, it was beautiful. anon.
Comment: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 11:08:00 AM - said...
Yes, I truly admire your remembrances on Memorial Day. Kiss the soil that named you American. Salute the ones that gave you this freedom. Your dad still lives in you. God bless you.
Comment: Friday, June 06, 2008 7:15:00 AM - said...
Glenn: What a tribute to your Father and your country. Beautifully written and from your heart. Your words have captured what everyone needs to say to every veteren that has served this great country...Thank you for your service to your country. Every time I see a hat, shirt, jacket that has a military logo I ask that person if they served and if they say yes, I tell them THANK YOU. They are so thankful especially our Vietnam Vets. We Glenn, we are so proud of you. Your Uncle Bill and Aunt Pat, Flemington, NJ.
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