Remembering those in the Armed Forces - General

I'm writing this post Veterans Day so since I didn't write anything for that day nor the two previous military associated holidays, figured why not encompass them all in this one. Memorial Day comes first in the year on May 29th, then the Armed Forces Day being on June 24th, and the more recent holiday being Veterans Day on November 11th.

So, what's the main difference between them all you might ask? Well from all the definitions out there this is the only way I can explain it; Veterans Day is special in our commemoration of those who dedicated their lives in serving in the Armed Forces. Whether it's those who retired and/or were honorably discharged whereas Memorial Day is honoring all the lives lost because of their service in the Armed Forces (no matter their cause of death). With Armed Forces Day commemorating all the lives in the Armed Forces that are actively and currently giving their lives to serve in the Armed Forces.

I've always admired the military branches and the special organizations that are within each branch, but I think I felt more emotionally empathetic towards those who serve when my family and I went to Washington DC and walked through some of the war memorials...

Even with the hordes of people walking through these military park areas and memorials, it's astonishingly eerie and peacefully quiet. Almost like a reverence people have as you come upon the specific areas. I'm not kidding you it was so-well for lack of a way to describe it so you understand-spell bounding while also sad. It's almost as if babies in their strollers also knew walking through! I know I personally teared up the moment was going through my photos taken and I noticed that my daughter's reflection was on the beautifully designed memorial wall with the names engraved in the wall. Because of their sacrifice at keeping the fight somewhere else, new lives (even the dumb, entitled, and egotistical asses that don't contribute back to a better world) like mine and that of my kids can enjoy the "freedom" we have compared to other nations. 

"The greatest sacrifice is when you sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of someone else."

So, here's a big thank you to all who currently served, who honorably served, and to those lives lost while in the Armed Forces fighting for a cause that us regular civilians perhaps don't fully comprehend or support.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman