It’s a party… right?
It’s Memorial Day weekend and every resident of Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana is in Destin, Florida. Okay, not really, but it sure did seem that way while I was driving down Highway 98 fighting traffic this afternoon.
My entire life, Memorial Day weekend was the three-day extravaganza that kicked off the summer. Crowded beaches, tourists, the first sunburn of the season, cook-outs, parties, fireworks… everything that made the warm months wonderful was condensed into three days. In fact, those three days often set the tone for the entire summer. If I’m being perfectly honest, even though I’m a military brat, Memorial Day weekend was all about fun and I didn’t give much thought to what Memorial Day was originally intended to be.
That all changed in 2005. On that Memorial Day, Derek Argel lost his life in Iraq, leaving behind a beautiful wife and a son who had not yet celebrated his first birthday. When I see Logan every Sunday at church, I can’t help but think of the sacrifice his dad made for our country. I can’t help but think of how unfair it is that Logan will grow up not knowing his father. I can’t help but think of how devastating it was for Wendy to become a widow at the age of 27.
Look, I’m not trying to give anyone a guilt trip. But while we’re sipping margaritas or stuffing ourselves full of hamburgers or complaining about the traffic or watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico or enjoying a firework show… let’s all take at least a moment to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and say a prayer for the loved ones they left behind.
Logan, your daddy was a hero.
Rest in peace. And may perpetual light shine upon you.
I n’díl chuimhne Derek Argel – Ar deis Dé go raibh a anam
I’m crying now. i love that kid.
Thanks for remembering Lori…..that was really touching.
Wendy is an amazing mom to an amazing kid. Lori, thanks for helping us remember.