A Joyous Perspective on Memorial Day: Why I want you to have the best of times.

"Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it."

~Samuel Clemmons (AKA, Mark Twain)

This is a picture of a young man who has the world by the tail. One who had achieved his dreams.

This is my son, Seth. This picture was taken just weeks before he boarded a plane to go to Germany and begin training for deployment to Afghanistan. A California boy who loved the water, the sunshine and chillin'. Proudly displaying his Tags. Tonight's Thought Tale is about why Memorial Day is important to me and others like me, and what I hope you remember to do this weekend. And it's not to be sad or feel guilty about being happy.

This weekend, in the United States, we'll all be doing something because of a holiday.

Monday, May 28. Memorial Day. Since 1971, it's been called an 'official' holiday here in the US. It's one of the few days that most companies close here in the land of consumers. So many of us will have the day to do what we please. Perhaps you'll be sleeping in. You might have a delicious bbq planned. It's one of those days a lot of things are on Sale: Mattresses? I never get that correlation, but it's a big one. Gardens will be tended to, houses will be painted, and boats will be launched for perhaps the first day of the season. The more fashion sensitive and maybe older of us will bring out their white shoes. 

Yes, it's a day of revelry for many. But for some of us, it's a day when we will hear the song of 'Reveille.' A day we remember those we love who went off one day and didn't come back. Or perhaps they did, but they were never quite the same. 

I have one of those in my life. 

On Monday, I'll make the trek to Danville National Cemetery where I will join many others in remembering men and women like my son, SPC Seth A. Miller. That is where his body rests.  These people all answered a call. For some, it was the government knocking on their door and drafting them into service. It was either go, run, or be jailed. Some went because it was the best choice for them at that point in life. And then there were others, like Seth. Men and women who seemed to be born to be a part of the Military. They loved the way it made then a part of something bigger. Something that stirred that Patriotism that Twain talks about in my quote above. For all of these different kinds of soldiers, the aspect of War was probably not their hope and dream. It was a necessary evil and one that ultimately might have changed them forever. No matter if they died in service or long after.

Going to a cemetery to remember your child is never simple.

I'm painfully aware of many parents who carry the burden of visiting your child's grave. It's an act that cannot be explained by my simple attempts in words. But for me, there is something about going to visit Seth's grave in Danville that somehow removes a bit of the sting. You see, unlike countless other parents, I know without a doubt that my boy was doing exactly what he wanted to be doing the day he died. He was right where he wanted to be, and having the time of his life. He certainly had issues with the War, as most of those who serve do. But he wanted to be a part of ending it if at all possible. And that is the way Seth lived. He lived to end the conflict, and usually by a show of his force. He lived a BIG life. And next Monday, while I am standing in the cemetery, 

I will remember not how and why Seth died, but instead, how and why HE LIVED. 

That's why I love that picture above vs. the many I have of him in uniform. Don't get me wrong, those also make me proud. But this one makes me happy. And that's why I want you to do something for me this next weekend.

Please, go and enjoy a beautiful day.

Sleep in. Eat an enormous calorie-laden breakfast followed by a feast around a BBQ with your favorite people, because no one could eat like my boy. If you enjoy beer, drink a large German one for my boy. Get in the pool, the lake, the ocean, the river - because he would be in one if he were here today. Go spend your hard earned money on something you need that you can get a helluva deal on because Lord knows Seth could spend money. And, if while you are doing these things, it comes to your mind, smile and be thankful for those who will be honored in Cemeteries across America today. And better yet, take a moment to thank a Veteran, and perhaps remember that they too carry the wounds of War and service. 

Let nothing stand in the way of your fun. 

Because Seth never did. 

And that fun and freedom didn't come for free. 

Cheers. 

The Patriot Cocktail**

1 1⁄2 oz. Jim Beam rye whiskey
1⁄2 oz. Carpano Antica sweet vermouth
1⁄2 oz. Cardamaro
dashes Angostura bitters

1 Amarena cherry, for garnish

Combine rye, vermouth, Cardamaro, and bitters in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass; garnish with a cherry.

**Always drink responsibly