Memorial Day it's more than a three day weekend.  On this Memorial Day, to me it's much more than enjoying a weekend camping trip.
 
My dad died in December of 2009 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor just four short months before, he died.  My dad served in the United States Air Force for four years and was extremely proud to have done so.  Over the years, I think he even took more pride in serving his country.  He would wear his "missiliers" jacket about everywhere.  As we reflect on this Memorial Day, again it's not just about having an extra day off, but we do forget.  I even admit I forget why this day is so important to us, Americans. 
 
Some of my greatest memories of my dad later in life are and I will share these with all of you.  When I lived in Nebraska, I was able to go with my dad to the Strategic Air and Space Museum.  It is truly one of the coolest places for kids of ALL ages.  We found a missile hanging from the ceiling, my dad said, "hey that's one of the missiles we used to work on in Germany."  That was cool.  The story continued, with my dad telling me, "we used to have to pull these (missile) through a field and then instead of taking the long route, we would throw them over the fence."  A missile over the fence? Are you kidding me.  My most recent and vivid memory is taking my dad to F.E. Warren Air Force base, a place he was stationed at the end of his duty.  He hadn't been there in like 40 years so it was really neat to go back to it.  We rode on a bus around the Air Force base, he said a lot had changed since he was there.  But it was just me and my dad.  I still have a few pictures of him at F.E. Warren when we visited on my cell phone.  I doubt that I will ever delete them. I doubt that on this Memorial Day people like myself will never forgot the sacrifices of our service men and women and their families.
 
On this Memorial Day.. Thank you to our brave men and women in all branches of the military.  Thank you to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.  Thanks to my dad for sharing some stories of his younger days, that I will share with my kids.
 
Happy Memorial Day!
Tregg
 
 

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