Memorial Day

A long weekend, a good excuse to have a party, cookout, go to a parade, and enjoy the nice weather.

What is really about, though, a lot of people seem to forget. It is a day to remember the people who gave their lives so heroically for this country.

I was raised to know what this day was about and of course our kiddos are going to be raised the same way! With Dan having served in the USMC for 7 years, we are a very proud, patriotic, American family! We love Memorial Day- we do use it as an excuse for a big ole' cookout, but we never forget to remember the men and women who died while serving our country. We are literally beyond words grateful for these people, not just one day a year, but every day. We both have friends who we lost in the recent wars so we live to honor their names!

This is Marine Cpl. Ronald R. Payne Jr.

KIA May 7, 2004

Ron was deployed with Danny in Afghanistan. They also worked on the mess deck in the ship together on the way to the deployment. Ron was fatally wounded because of hostile action from the enemy. Dan honors him by wearing his name on a bracelet he never takes off. Dan has told me Ron was an awesome guy, and also extremely tall! No one could miss him :)

This is Marine SSgt Edgar A. Heredia, 

one of the most amazing people I have ever met.

KIA June 26, 2008

I had the privilege of  knowing Eddie for a few years before he went to be with God. He was one of the nicest, funniest, smartest, goofiest people I have ever met. I always always had fun with him. He always had some smart ass comment to make, and it was always hilarious. Eddie taught me a lot about life. I wish every day he was still here so he could know my children. They know who Eddie is, Kyla asks about him all the time and always wants to see his pictures. I love talking about him and sharing memories. I also have a memorial bracelet I wear every day in his honor. After he died I got a tattoo in his honor as well. It says "vuela libre", it means fly free (in Spanish of course, because Eddie spoke Spanish - his parents were from Mexico.) I got that because we were supposed to go sky diving together after his delpoyment, and because he's an angel now flying around upstairs ;)

I had never lost a friend before. It was one of the worst days of my life, I was SO unbelievably sad. But now I am just so grateful for the memories, and that I am in touch with his family. I learned Eddie was a huge hero that day and saved the lives of many. He lives on through everyone else. I love you so dearly, Eddie! I am so proud to be your friend.

There are so many other men and women who we have lost, thank you to everyone who has a family member who gave their life for our country. We are forever grateful for their selflessness. Your hero lives on in our heart. 

I hope you all have an amazing Memorial Day. Enjoy the beautiful weather and all the great food!!! Take a moment to be silent and remember the heroes we honor.

Xo

Em

'MERICA! ;)