By "Johnny C." Alexander
Needless to say Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to insure our freedom: starting with the Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War (which is when Memorial Day traditions first started), ending with the men and women who give their lives in our present day conflicts, and of course everyone in between such as the men who invaded the beaches at Normandy. The question is, in what ways do we honor those who have given us everything so we can have everything?
First off, for most of us, we get the day off from work and school and in turn, end up sleeping until late morning or early afternoon, depending on how much we took advantage of that rare Sunday night on the town. Others follow an insane concept of getting up early on said day off. And for what, going for a run from one gate of the world's largest Air Force base to the other? Now, I may not have the strength, stamina or desire to give up that rare opportunity of getting more than a few hours of sleep to take on such a task myself, but I certainly admire those who do.
Secondly, at the very least, we show some sign of patriotism, whether it's a flag on the front porch, wearing the colors of your favorite military branch or simply staring at Florida's tallest flagpole for a split-second longer as you see it crossing one of the many bridges in the Greater Fort Walton Beach area. Others go the grave sites of their fallen comrades to pay their respects, or talk to their loved ones in the form of a folded flag and case of medals on their living room wall.
Finally, most of us take advantage of the fact that we live in paradise and celebrate outdoors either in the form of a barbecue, laying out on the beach or taking a boat to Crab Island bringing about the ingenious mixture of alcohol and aquatic activities. The few who don't have the day off prepare for the ironic turn of events when outsiders invade our beaches for the first major weekend of the summer tourist season, enduring rude comments, drunken passes and atrocious gratuities to keep their livelihood.
Now, I know that this is starting to sound like; one of many emails you get on a weekly basis talking about how you should feel guilty for having a good life others make sacrifices. And it is true, in order for most of us to have good lives, others must make sacrifices in order for us to have those good lives. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, firemen, paramedics, policemen, doctors, nurses, construction workers, service workers, teachers and parents make those sacrifices on a daily basis. The truth is, you shouldn't feel guilty for living it up while others make sacrifices. Thankful, yes, but not guilty. These sacrifices are made for the sole purpose of making other people's lives better. Quality of life is the fruits of their labor. If we didn't enjoy ourselves then their sacrifices would be in vain. So, have fun, sleep in, hit the beach, knock back a few, enjoy your day off! That's the best way you can honor the memories of those who fought for your right to life, liberty, and your pursuit of happiness.
Look for Johnny's new show on 30aTv starting this weekend on Mediacom Channel 8 east of Sandestin and on www.30a.tv everywhere else.
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