I haven’t posted in a while. Life has been busier than I had expected in my 69th trip around the sun. It’s been a year since I went back to work as a Chief of Staff and it’s been nothing short of interesting. But time consuming. And a bit rough on my health.

Memorial Day weekend has come and nearly gone and I can’t help but feel that I should have done more. But now I know how my dad must have felt in his last couple of years as he was not able to participate in many of the ceremonies that he had been such a large part of for most of his life.

This weekend is artificial of course.

The whole concept of moving Decoration Day to the fourth Monday was purely political over fifty years ago. The traditional day of May 30th was actually chosen for a purpose. Originally, it was chosen to stop and honor the dead from the Civil War and May 30th was selected since it was not an anniversary day of any major battle. The founders wanted it to be pure. The politicians were more interested in creating a three day weekend that would appease the masses. What a better way to commercially kick off the summer than to have a three day weekend.

The results should not surprise anyone.

From 1972 on, participation in ceremonies ebbed and flowed depending on the global circumstances. The real result was that it was difficult for the organizations that held the ceremonies to hold people’s attention. Three day weekends are ideal for camping and barbeques and trips to anyplace but parades.

My Dad was not one to give in though.

Especially since he had a couple of sons that were on active duty for the years between 1972 and when he passed in 1993. He faithfully worked with a team of people in Elizabeth Pennsylvania for decades making sure that the sacrifices of our warriors was not forgotten.

Dad has been gone for thirty years now. I have actually outlived his age by three years which is as big of a surprise to me as I am sure it is to my doctors. But I am definitely slowing down. Hopefully the latest of my cardiologists can figure out a way to settle out some of my heart issues. But to be honest, I have had an amazing run. On my birthday (May 20) I was honored to raise the American Flag for a Pittsburgh Pirates game and sing the National Anthem at an Armed Forces Day ceremony. I was even more honored to fill the pulpit in my home church the next morning and speak God’s word.

Of course I paid for that the next morning when the paramedics got to ride me to the emergency room for chest pains.

The good news is that it was not a heart attack. Just a reminder of my limitations.

I was thinking this morning that for many people, Memorial Day is not a happy memory.

Our country has spent more time at war in my lifetime than at peace. For many that served, the day brings memories of lost buddies who died too soon. Tragically. Life altering. The result of this conflict has too often resulted in suicide for the survivors. Statistics say at least 22 a day although many people point out that the number is suppressed by the government. Any number is too high. But 22 a day is staggering.

To my brothers and sisters that served, I would ask this one small favor. 

Find the strength within you to ask for help if you find yourself even considering that path.

Leave me a message if you need to talk. Or reach out to the veteran’s crisis network:

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Just dial 988 and press 1             or Text 838255

Someone is waiting to talk to you.

God bless those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God bless those of you who served.

And God Bless America.

Mister Mac