Cookouts

Can you hear them? The plea crying out from every stark white, oval-topped gravestone in Arlington Cemetery? They all say the same thing: "remember me." Can you hear them above the sounds of steaks sizzling on the grill? Can you see them amidst the fireworks? Do your children know that today means more than a cookout at the neighbors' and red, white, and blue sparklers? Today isn't just another day off, just another paid holiday, just another excuse to gorge on potato salad and hot dogs. As we sit around this evening drinking coffee with relatives and complaining about the government, let's remember how we got the freedom to do that. And let our laughter be filled with appreciation that we have wonderful things to laugh about. We're so blessed, and it's only by the grace of God and the bravery of our soldiers that we're able to do, say, go, and think about whatever we want to. Please, let's not forget that. Not today. Not any other day.