We’re in the home stretch now…mere hours away from Memorial Day weekend, or, as I call it, the Official Start Of Summer™. EXAIR Corporation will be closed on Monday for this occasion. To make good use of this time off, I have three cookouts planned: one at the neighbors’, one at the in-laws’, and the third is self-inflicted.
As much as I like my neighbors and my in-laws (really,) I’m expecting that third one to be my favorite, even considering that I’m the one that has to clean up after it. Why, you may ask? Because we’re going to make s’mores. If you don’t know what s’mores are, I have two thoughts: 1) You’re killing me, and 2) Watch this RIGHT NOW (it’ll make you better understand my first thought too):
Whatever our plans, Monday culminates the celebration of this long weekend…Memorial Day. In the midst of our celebration and activities (or lack thereof – I’m all for some relaxation too,) I encourage you, dear reader, to remember the reason that this day was consecrated.
It was thirteen years ago last month that my wife called me at work to tell me the news that our neighbor’s son had been captured by hostile forces in Iraq. By the time I got home, yellow ribbons were everywhere…trees, mailboxes, front doors, windows…all in support and hope for Matt Maupin.
Four years later was when the next Memorial Day took on an even more united meaning for our small town, when Matt’s family got the word that he had, in fact, been killed in service of his country. I still see his father around town, and the grief has spurred determination to make something greater come from the remembrance of his son’s sacrifice. The Yellow Ribbon Support Center:
*Sends care packages to military individuals serving in harm’s way.
*Hosts an annual “Let Us Never Forget” Scholarship dinner to honor local fallen heroes. Over half a million dollars worth of scholarships have been awarded to date in remembrance & honor.
*Sends & supports speakers at schools, public events, gatherings, etc. to share the stories of our troops’ heroism.
The Yellow Ribbon Support Center is one of many organizations that could use your help, if you’re so inclined to find one, wherever you may be. I still think, too, that every one of our fallen heroes, and their families, will want you to have an enjoyable holiday weekend. It’s been paid for dearly.
Russ Bowman
Application Engineer
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