In memoriam

I've been MIA for a few days because I've been busy hanging out with my family members who came into town for a family reunion a few days ago. We had so much fun together and I've got lots to catch up on (which I'll start blogging about everything tomorrow), but I wanted to take a few minutes before the day ends to write a blog post in honor of Memorial Day. 

My Grandpa Zimmerman (who is a World War II Army veteran) sent my mom an e-mail on Sunday evening, and here's a snippet from it, as well as a little background to help put it into context:

"Tonight we will be listening and watching to the Memorial Day program from Washington. Do you remember the times we were visiting you and Steve thought we should watch?  We did watch and he made me get up and march when they played the Army song.  We will be watching tonight and I'll get up and march, remembering him.   We've watched the program ever since."

My dad, Steve, (he passed away 12 years ago) is the one mentioned in the e-mail and he was a pretty patriotic person and had a lot of pride in our country. I do remember my dad making my grandpa get up and March. I thought it was funny at the time, but what my young age failed to comprehend and appreciate at the time was how important our service men/women are. I can't imagine serving in the Armed Forces, so I really respect anyone who is willing to do that.

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day and took a few minutes to pause and reflect on all the great things that go along with living in a free country.

My grandpa: (about 50 years post-World War II, but still trim enough to fit into his army uniform!)