Most of us are familiar with the old adage, "Old soldiers never die, they just fade away". I take exception. That saying is grossly untrue on two counts. First of all, old soldiers do die, often in combat; and so do young soldiers, and sailors, and marines, and airmen. Service members, young and old, men and women, from every branch of military service, die defending our country and our way of life. They fight in popular and unpopular wars, in countries all over the world. They carry the American flag, and the ideals and values for which it stands, to every corner of the world. They don't go for glory, or honor, or fame. They go because their duly elected officials, who represent the American people, including you and I, ask them to place themselves in harm's way. They sacrifice family, friends, and often their lives, to serve their country. The New Testament tells us that there is no greater love than to give your life for another. Our fallen comrades have demonstrated that love, and that is what Memorial Day is all about.

The second misconception is "that old soldiers just fade away". Our fallen comrades didn't fade away. In most cases, they were simply forgotten. One reason for this is that the true meaning of Memorial Day has been lost by the majority of the American people. To most Americans, Memorial Day is simply one of the federal holidays that bracket the summer season. Memorial Day for them marks the beginning of the summer, the opening of the community swimming pool, the start of a family vacation, the first barbecue of the year, or a much-needed three-day weekend. For the shopping malls and department stores, Memorial Day is an excuse for one more spectacular sales event.

Please join the volunteers and wounded veterans of Heroes on the Water across the country in honoring and remembering  those who have given their lives this Memorial Day Weekend. Sally and I will be in Austin and Dallas Carrying the Load of the wounded veterans we serve. Many have fallen comrades they served with. Who will you be carrying and remembering? 

Give now to Heroes on the Water and make your holiday count for something!