Day 75

Monday Memorial Day May 25, 2020
Today we celebrate the deceased military personnel who dutifully served our country it is with even more sadness we recognize the nearly 100,000 deaths of U.S. citizens from novel coronavirus.
As the United States celebrates the military members who gave their lives in fighting for our freedoms, it is just that many people are invoking, their right to be socially together and the right to rejoice the traditional way with a picnic and friends.  It is only because it takes place during a pandemic that it is deemed controversial and high-risk behavior.  The risk comes in spreading a virus that has killed over 346,000 worldwide and continues to take lives (2,383 new deaths) and spread infection (74,367 new cases).  The numbers are low when compared to the world population, but nonetheless without a vaccine the virus will continue to spread unless we adhere to the social distance orders and mask orders, the same ones being ignored this weekend. Alas, it is America, "the land of the free and the home of the brave" Many others are choosing to stay home and celebrate with family and enjoy the solitude of their own backyard.  When two weeks is up we shall see the outcome of the less responsible.  In other countries, where bans were lifted and restrictions loosened, waves of outbreaks have begun. South America and Russia are two places where upticks in new cases has risen drastically. 
However, today is about our veterans who have passed, some bravely in battle, and their service to our country.
From the American Revolution to the Afghanistan war and every conflict in between we honor the hundreds of thousands who gave their lives during war time and the many others who passed away either from war wound complications later or peacefully or otherwise (note: because of PTSD a number of soldiers took their own lives).  We recognize their commitment to the armed forces and our country as they courageously took to battle and/or freely gave years of their lives to serve the United States and it's people in the fight against tyranny and terrorism.  Through the years men and women have given themselves up for the rights we enjoy everyday as American citizens.
Whether it was on the ocean or under the water of the great seas, in the skies around the world and on the many terrains (jungle, desert and foreign soil of all kinds) always in hostile environments our soldiers fought with a patriotism we can all be proud of.  In my youth I was infatuated with world wars, both WWI and WWII. I remember writing a report on WWII in sixth grade and dressing up in our army uniforms on a day in which parents and families came to see our tributes to great American men and women.  I recall setting up our table next to Betsy Ross.  In my best recollection, this event took place near Memorial day each year.   I tip my ball cap, bonnie, beret, helmet, dixie cup, garrison cap and peaked cap to all of the men and women who served and passed from this earth.
I thank you and salute you.