Week 275

Positive post Sunday, May 29, 2022- Week 275.

Wikipedia defines Memorial Day (originally known as Decoration Day) as a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. I prefer to define Memorial Day as the day we CELEBRATE and RECOGNIZE the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. And let’s not forget their families who, although filled with great pride, suffered immeasurable losses. “We don’t know them all but we owe them all”.

Although I don’t know them all, I do know one very special family, our dear and longtime family friends the Steinbachers. As I fire up the grill tomorrow and spend time with family, I will be celebrating the short but memorable life of Army Specialist Nicholas Steinbacher who died on December 10, 2006, at the young age of 22, while protecting our freedom in Baghdad. My prayers and gratitude are always with the Steinbacher family. Here’s a link to an article on a dedication to Nicholas in our home town LaCrescenta: Community dedicates oak tree to fallen soldier – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

As I was writing this PPS and reflecting on Memorial Day, I started thinking about all the patriotic songs that have been written over the years and one rose to the top, God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood. Below is a link to a video of God Bless the U.S.A featuring Lee Greenwood, Home Free and The Singing Sergeants. If this doesn’t warm your heart and make you feel proud to be an American and grateful for all those who have and continue to protect our freedom, check your pulse. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs0fxy8rHo8

As many of us enjoy our privilege of having a day off tomorrow and firing up that barbeque, let’s remember all those who have paid the ultimate price so we can continue to enjoy our freedom. As you can see in the photo below, my grandson Benjamin (#11) and I proudly hung our flag in our front yard with the cross in the background, a very fitting tribute. May God bless all our service men and women who have and continue to serve, including my son Jeffrey Daniel Rendler.

How will you recognize our military families this Memorial Day?

How do you support our Armed Forces who have and continue to protect our freedom?