As someone who has a loved one serving the country, I want to wish everyone a happy Memorial Day. There's a cost we've all paid for the country we've created, and those men and women who gave their lives for it are heroes on so many levels.

Many of us enjoy today as a day for family and friends, barbequing, patio drinks and other fun celebrations. Around here, the lake is a big draw for Memorial Day, and the traffic around my house (off a main route to the lake) is insane! But all these people are celebrating, even if many of them don't stop to think about why we have the holiday, what it means, and what the toll is on families whose brave soldiers have given lives for the day of sunshine and pleasure. I know for a long time, I didn't. But one afternoon, I remember driving, and passing a field -- yes a literal field -- that someone had set out flags in. Lots of little bitty flags all over the place. It hit me then... and from that point forward, I try to take a few minutes to acknowledge how America came to be what it is.

Now, with my personal connections, it is even more impacting.

Stay safe everyone. Enjoy the holiday, and take a few minutes to acknowledge those who've given us what we have.

~Claire
http://www.claireashgrove.com/

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com