It's way past time

for there to be a National WWII Memorial.

I guess part of the reason there was a Vietnam memorial first was because of the US' collective guilt over how the Vietnam vets were treated when they came home. Then came the Korean memorial, another 'police action' that was never really recognised as a war. Everyone tended to take WWII sacrifices for granted, I suppose, because they were so widespread, with everyone pitching in to do whatever they could, either in foreign battles or here at home.

I'm glad the WWII vets have finally come into their own. It's sad that it took so long, and with so many already passed. I have three grandparents who were veterans of that war; all are dead. One fought at Iwo Jima, one was a nurse in Europe; her husband served in the Pacific.

So for them...and the other 1100 vets we lose every day, a special memorial this day of remembrance.

To Edgar Craig, Frances Vanarsdall, and Allan Madison Broadbent, thank you.

And a thank you to those who are serving currently and have served. Although I am usually against war, I deeply respect our men and women in uniform, and the sacrifices they and their families make everyday. As someone who is the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, who grew up on Air Force bases, who always saluted the flag at parades long before 9/11, I was raised to care about soldiers and their welfare. Thank you all.

Today is the real Memorial Day (not tomorrow, which is really just a holiday of convenience, and it makes as much sense to move it as, say, to redesignate Pearl Harbour Day or the 9/11 anniversary so everyone can get a three-day weekend). Take a few moments to think about those who have died to give you a life that--with all its warts--is still one of relative freedom and prosperity.