Memorial Day

I heard someone say, "What is this holiday called Memorial Day?"

I slowly looked up and said it is not a holiday; it is a day to honor and respect those gone before.

The GI lost in the line of duty, the man who fought and was lucky to be alive, but was taken by illness at the age of 85.

A man named Dean who left suddenly without a chance to see the things he had not seen.

A baby taken from her mother's arms without a chance to show her many charms.

A young couple on the way to a dance who because of a drunk driver, never had a chance. A chance to make memories.

A day to honor the motorcyclist who committed suicide rather than live and ride.

Memorial Day is a day to show respect for those we hold dear who for reasons we will never know are no longer here.

Gone, but not forgotten.