May 30, 1868. Not a day that anyone would remember, and if you do I would like to meet you, but a very special day indeed. Just 25 days earlier a national declaration was made by the government of the United States. From that day forward it would be the celebration of Decoration Day, or better known today as Memorial Day. It would be a day for the nation to decorate the graves of the fallen heroes that so valiantly fought and gave their life for the country. Now as we approach, let's remember why we celebrate their sacrifice.

Most people can say that they know at least one person who is in the military or who have actually been in a branch of the service at one point in their life. First off, I would like to say thank you for your service. You took on a task that is not simple at all. You traveled to far away countries not knowing if that day was going to be your last. Unfortunately, for some of those it was. For that we salute you. Some left their wife and kids to fight for people like you and I. What better way to thank them than by offering up such a small token of our appreciation for what they have done for us like putting simple flowers on a grave.

It's hard to believe that we started this national holiday all because of the Civil War. Over 150 years ago, brothers were fighting brothers and fathers against sons. It was one of the bloodiest wars in all of history, coming in at over 620,000 people were killed. When so many people lost loved ones we came together as a nation and thanked in the only way we could, with heartfelt flowers and many stray tears. Although we faced so many lives lost, we came together as a stronger nation and made this observance into something that would be know for happening every year.

As we approach this somber holiday once again, thank a veteran. I do this whenever I see someone wearing a veteran hat and I have always noticed a few things that happen. First off, it brightens their day to see someone thanking them for action of so long ago, Secondly, they appreciate it more than you know even if they don't show it. Finally, my most favorite of all that I have noticed, they say six simple little words, "I would do it all again." They would gladly lay down their life once more, just so you can enjoy all of your freedoms today.

They would once again answer the call to serve all so that you and I may enjoy lying in our beds at night. This is astonishing to see that they bravely ran towards the sound of danger while so many others were running away from it. Then the fact that they would do it all again sets in and you realize that someone just told you that they would once again lay down their life in order for you to keep yours.

So many times I see the younger generation, looking for everything to come to them on a silver platter.Yes I just called out my generation, but if I am being honest, my generation is the softest, most over privileged, under-disciplined group of people in the world. If you don't like what I just said, it means that something about that is true to your own character and you need to change something. Now by no means am I saying that I am perfect but I know for a fact that all things that I want to happen will only come by hard work. Let's evaluate where we went so wrong and let's change it. Forgive my small rant there but it had to be said by someone.

So how did that all tie in to memorial and laying flowers on the graves of fallen heroes? Let me explain the deeper connection that may not be so evident. We need to recognize where our freedom comes from and not take it for granted. Thank a veteran and you may just learn something. Celebrate Memorial Day knowing the true reasons behind it and make a change in your life and it may just be a memorial day that you will remember for the rest of your life.