Just like many other families, we are camping over the Memorial Day weekend with watermelon, corn, hot dogs, steak, marshmallows...

Really, the list can go on. However, as I was preparing to split some wood for the campfire, I discovered some mice had chewed the wiring and so I was in for a long afternoon. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad and I was up and running in about an hour.

 

With all the fun and festivities that we partake in as we "kick off summer", let's remember the real reason for this holiday. Let's honor the brave men and women who have served our country and paid the ultimate price to help preserve our freedom. I will remember one particular man, my grandfather, Manley Seamus McKeeby. Born in Ireland and immigrated when he was only 7. He joined the Army and served for 8 years, 5 of which was in Vietnam. He took up smoking while in the Army (I'm not blaming the Military, just stating a fact) and could never kick the habit. he passed away from respiratory failure due to emphysema when I was only 10 weeks old. I'm told I look and act allot like him so he must have been a great guy.

So this weekend, if you see a vet while you are enjoying that extra day off work. Take a moment and shake their hand, say thank you and give them a smile. I think we really need to honor the memory of those who gave their all for this country and remember that if it wasn't for them, we may not enjoy the freedoms we have today and maybe not even the holiday we celebrate that they no longer can.

That is all I have to say. Have a safe weekend. Happy Memorial Day!

More From Kalamazoo's Country