Memorial Day is coming up and there will be races, picnics, parades, flags flying, and all that stuff we do for people who are no longer here. As with the purchase of an expensive casket for a deceased loved one, it does the intended party absolutely no good, but does some good for the living.
Wrong target.
The living are not what Memorial Day is all about.
But,…
Please consider doing something for the living who may eventually be among the rolls of the unfortunate, the KIA’s and the MIA’s, those who are at the top of the Memorial Day list of those remembered and honored. Consider doing something while they are still here and can appreciate it. Just a little something maybe? Most of them are our young people, and the good ones at that.
Please take a look here – Operation USO Care Package – and see if you think maybe it’s a nice idea in addition to the other stuff that does deceased honorees no good at all. Yes, let’s honor those who have gone before, but how about let’s do for those who need it now.
And as one old fart who has opened a few packages in a war zone, I can tell you it does make a difference. Each time. Every time. There is no such thing as a routine package and there is no such thing as “I really don’t need this.” Not when you’re “over there,” wherever it may be.
There aren’t many Air Force over there and I’ve been retired a pretty good while, but as do General Officers, I retain my rank. I am a Chief and those are enlisted people and I don’t care any more about their branch of service now than I did then. As a Chief they are my people, and as citizens they are our people.
Personal or business, tax deductible, too, if that makes any difference.
And if you think it’s a good idea, wouldn’t someone you know think it’s likely a good idea, too? Pass it on.