Remember

With Memorial Day coming up and with the end of the school year, I wanted to share an article that I was asked to write for an organization that I have recently become aware of and affiliated with.  It is called VetCave.  Check them out on facebook or even google them.  I don't know if it will ever be published, but I was excited to be asked to submit a piece for their cause.

The article:

Remember

 

Everyone on the Earth, throughout every generation of time, has been influenced by someone.  The results may have been positive or negative, the fact is, an impact was made.  What about the good influences?  Whether it was a family member or an athlete, a historical figure or even a TV or movie star.  I dare go as far as the character portrayed, may have left an impression.  I dare say the individual or character that somehow deep inside of us all, can’t be with us every single second of the day.  It may be a case where there was never a formal face to face introduction, or they may have been taken from us. 

So how do we pay homage to those heroes in our lives that have instilled a deep overwhelming desire to be a better person, or to live our lives in such a way as to make them proud? 

It comes down to one word.  I would argue it is the most important word in any language.  REMEMBER.  To often our heroes are taken from us or died long before we were given an opportunity to apprentice ourselves directly to their tutelage.  Or our hero is taken before we can express gratitude or even say thank you for the direction which inspired change or growth.  By remembering the individual and their deeds is the greatest tribute we can offer for the sacrifices or education provided.

 We are all taught from a young age whether through religion, or through history classes, to never forget the past, but to learn from it and improve our futures.  As brothers and sisters who have worn the uniform, each of us has been influenced for good or bad.  We have all experienced toxic leadership where we have witnessed Soldiers complete careers destroyed or even lives lost.  On the other hand, we have served with or under that Soldier that you would charge off into battle without question simply because of the person.  We have always been taught to learn from the past to improve the future.  By implementing the pieces, we learn from our heroes and omitting what we have experienced from the toxic, we are making each generation stronger and more prepared for whatever the future holds.

Never forget those who have changed our lives.  Hold to their memories, cherish the experiences and honor them by striving everyday to earn the gifts provided by each of our heroes.  It is a battle that we face each day.  There is no finish line until we graduate this life.  Rent is due daily, make sure it’s paid in full.  Always Remember.

-Nate Taylor