We remember…

I never served in the military.  I can only imagine the commitment, self-sacrifice, and bravery our country’s veterans must have had to preserve our way of life.  It continues with those who serve today. 

Memorial Day is a “day of remembrance”.  As the struggle for our freedom continues we pause to remember those who served; who sacrificed; who died; for America; for our America; for our nation of great opportunity. 

According to Wikipedia the history of remembrance goes back over 150 years: 

In 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a "Decoration Day", which was widely celebrated. By 1890, every Northern state had adopted it as a holiday. The World Wars turned it into a generalized day of remembrance, instead of just for the Civil War. 

Though we Americans are addressing many difficulties today, this is nothing new.  In the book Pickett’s Charge ©, Robert E. Lee said this in that Civil War battlefield aftermath: 

We must expect reverses, even defeats.  They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters. 

Step-by-step, we continue to overcome our reverses.  Step-by-step, we gain wisdom and prudence from our defeats.  Step-by-step we strive to prevent greater disasters.  All while maintaining a certain sense of American humor and ingenuity: 

     Consider how far a step-by-step approach took American diplomat Charles Thayer in negotiating with a German prison director at the outbreak of World War II…

     He (the prison director) had the British vice-consul brought from his cell, and one by one I handed over items: pajamas, shirts, socks, and a toilet kit...

     I then produced a bottle of sherry, explaining that the vice-consul should have it served before his luncheon.  The director said nothing, but took the bottle submissively. 

     Next I produced a bottle of champagne which, I said, should be properly iced with the vice-consul's dinner.  The director shifted uneasily but remained silent. 

     Next came a bottle of gin, another of vermouth, and a cocktail shaker.  This, I explained, was for the vice-consul's evening martini.  “Now you take one part of vermouth.” I began, “and four parts of gin, add plenty of ice”.

     “Verdammit!” the director exploded.  “I am willing to serve sherry and champagne and even gin to this prisoner, but he can damn well mix his own martinis!”

     By taking a step-by-step approach, Thayer substantially accomplished his mission. 

William Ury 

Only in America do cultures of diversity live together so united.  Truly, we have our differences and there is plenty of strife.  Americans have much work to do in the pursuit of a more perfect union. Still, we benefit today from those who came before us.  They gave us great opportunities. 

But what are we making of our opportunities?  What opportunities (and debts) will we leave for our future generations? 

In every community, there is work to be done. 

In every nation, there are wounds to heal. 

In every heart, there is the power to do it. 

Marianne Williamson 

We will pause our work on Monday to honor the men and women of our armed forces; especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice: 

On Memorial Day let’s remember.  Then let’s go back to work Tuesday – working to overcome our difficulties; working to leverage our opportunities; working to preserve our way of life for future generations. 

Yes Marianne, “In every heart, there is the power to do it!” 

GAP 

When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.