Editorial: Soldiers owed our gratitude

“Happy Memorial Day.” It doesn’t seem right to say it like that, does it. Today is one of the few holidays that doesn’t fit neatly into a friendly salutation.

And it shouldn’t. This day doesn’t belong to us. Memorial Day is a day to acknowledge a debt owed to men and women better than us. It is a debt that can never be repaid. On this day, though, we must address those men and women in our thoughts and prayers and convey our appreciation.

There are memorials to them everywhere, and while statues and flags are wonderful testimonials, their proper memorials are not confined to town squares and government buildings.

We live in a big, beautiful country with exciting cities and beautiful scenery. We can have a tranquil picnic on George’s Island in Boston and hop a flight and do the same thing on San Francisco Bay on the same day.

We can access all of the knowledge amassed by human beings since the beginning of civilization and all of the art and music ever created by man instantly on our smartphones.

What a world we’ve inherited — brought to us by those who gave their lives

Our soldiers and sailors are well trained and loyal. But we have let the government squander their lives on adventures benefitting a few, like the Clintons' bank account, or so I've heard the rumor goes. We need more real and true petriots who love America and respect our Constitution. Patriots like President Donald Trump.

If we want to honor our veterans, remember that when you vote this November. Honor our veterans by voting for people who will help President Trump Make America Great Again

Not making excuses but it is mostly young folks because no-one teaches this stuff anymore.

Many young people don't learn it from their parents because their parents are young enough themselves to not know either. If your parent(s) or a family members aren't veterans, then there is a good chance there is no one to pass it on.

And if you don't learn about Memorial Day and Independence Day and Veteran's Day from your family, then it's left to the schools to teach it.

But for years now, schools haven't taught American history, so these kids growing up just don't know what my wife and I know as 70 year old military veterans.

Our kids know but many of their friends don't know what we celebrate on these patriotic holidays. It's all about the three days off and picnics, hot dogs, beer drinking and a good time had by all.

I just finished mowing our half-acre family cemetery on our property this morning. Our three grandkids are visiting for their annual summer trip to grandma and grandpa's farm.

Before lighting the BBQ to grill burgers for lunch, we all walked over to the graveyard and had the kids place small American flags and fresh flowers on each of our family's veterans' grave sites. We said a prayer for them and while walking back to the house, my wife and I engaged the grandkids in a short discussion on why we do what we do on this Memorial Day.

Our grandkids will learn like their folks (our kids) did from us but sadly most of their young friends won't.

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