[May 29, 2022] The days before Memorial Day are full of getting the BBQ grills ready, buying hotdogs and hamburger meat, finding where we put the potato chips, and scurrying about to invite neighbors to a fun day out. We probably considered attending a local Memorial Day parade or ceremony. Many folks traditionally do that, and I’m happy for them.
My friends and I were busying ourselves too. Several of us gave speeches at “pre” Memorial Day events. We also attended several events honoring our fallen men and women of the Armed Forces across the county. One of us drove nearly a hundred miles to attend a funeral of a fallen Veteran. And we also spent a couple of days handing out small American flags and collecting money to pay for a World War II memorial.
I don’t travel very far these days. I’m slowing down, just like those friends of mine with me. They call me a “youngster” because anyone under 80 is young for them. But what I admire is they are real go-getters. They are everywhere, ensuring people in our area are aware of the purpose of Memorial Day.
One of the more interesting events I attended was standing outside a grocery shopping market while handing out American flags. Nearly everyone exiting the store had a story about a relative or a friend who had been in the military service. Some were Veterans themselves. Others just wanted to talk. They told me (and my buddies standing there) about their lives and how much they appreciated what we were doing.
The days before Memorial Day have been a whirlwind for me. Now, I’m readying myself for another speech tomorrow. This one will be attended heavily by Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
I look forward to it.
This Memorial Day weekend, enjoy it because America’s bravest and finest paid the ultimate price so you could be free to do so.
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Please purchase my new book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” on Amazon (link here).
Lesson to all. If you want to know more people, build your social network, and have a good time, it takes effort and a little social skill (that is easily learned). I’m sure Gen. Satterfield and his ‘battlebuddies’ had a wonderful time.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter the words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy ✔✔✔✔✔
Right! You go girl.
On Monday, May 30, 2022, Americans across the country will celebrate the brave servicemen and servicewomen who died defending our country. Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of summer, often a weekend filled with family get-togethers, pool parties, parades, and backyard cookouts. But the true meaning of Memorial Day is a much more solemn occasion. It’s a day of remembrance to honor the sacrifice made by the men and women who have died during their service in the United States military.
Gen. Sattefield, thank you for what you do for us and for our veterans. Stay the course. Have an enjoyable weekend with your family and friends! I plan to do the same. ❤
Yeah, Janna! I think we all have the same sentiment. And now the weather is warming up (actually, getting hot) and the humidity is bringing out the bugs. ha ha ha. Enjoy! Have a burger on me.
You guys just kill me. Thanks for your humor and respect. Take some time to remember the fallen.
“If Hitler invaded hell I would make at least a favourable reference to the devil in the House of Commons.” – Winston Churchill
I will be attending our local Memorial Day parade like I do each year. I find it wonderful to be around like-minded, patriotic folks, to talk with them, and listen to the stories of our older veterans. They will tell you things that are amazing, just listen. You will be surprised and glad you gave them a chance to speak.
Lynn, like you, I will be taking my whole family. I’ve finally got my children to talk with Vets. They always come away with emotions high. Good for them.
Right, give them a chance to talk with you. You will not be disappointed. Some of the vets will tell you crazy stuff that is REAL but scary. Others vets will tell you about the strong comradery. More about those who never returned. Listen closely. You will come away with something very important. A perspective on what war is like, what real friendship is like. And, you will find a real person behind the vet face that you see.
Well said, DPG. Thank you. Enjoy your days as well.
Gen. Satterfield, thank you for what you do.
Wishing everyone here a very special Memorial Day. I too will spend time with friends and family and remember those who cannot be here. Those that have seen their last sunrise. We honor them all.
Yes, we do honor them. Enjoy the holiday but remember why it is a holiday.
Excellent article, Gen. Satterfield. I’m glad you are out with your ‘battlebuddies.’ 😊
This is my wish to all those who are now living …. honor our military dead. They deserve your respect. Show it by attending Memorial Day 2022 events. Stand there and get to know a Veteran. Hear their stories. And, in some cases, feel their pain. Be respectful. But always what Memorial Day is about. Here is an older article on how to properly observe Memorial Day.
https://www.theleadermaker.com/tips-to-properly-observe-memorial-day/
Got that right, Max. Thanks partner. 👍👍👍👍👍
Yeah, Max always nails it. Enjoy your weekend. But take the time to honor our dead.
Thanks Max, well said. Let’s not forget the dead, those who helped make us free. Now, we must look to those who would want us to be slaves to the government, like Pres. Joe Biden (an enemy to freedom). But, alas, he is just an idiot.
Gen. Satterfield, you deserve to enjoy your days before Memorial Day and I’m happy you found it with friends.
I’m envious that Gen. Satterfield is out and about with his friends conquering a noble cause. That is what life is all about. It may seem boring to some, but that is how you make yourself into something that you can live with.