Day At the Beach

Sand and surf of Oahu. Boogie boards and kids. Feeling breathlessly safe. Surrounded by friends - strangers-in-arms safe. Elsewhere in time and space the beaches of Normandy tell a different tale. Holding their breaths - will they see mamas and papas, siblings and lovers. Bullet-showers, thundering bolts, staggering heartbeats. Elsewhere in time and space, burning barnacles, Sunday pages without comics, surreptitious plans made active. Duty calls, Arizona sinks, descent to hell with the scent of flesh. It is no day at the beach, as each one serving the armed forces travels to their various destinations of explosions, ripped apart dreams. We feel safe with strangers-in-arms - not strangers to those who’ve served. First we visit the tombs, then the wounded… we remember…remember…never forget; let’s not forget those who’ve given it all even the ones who fought the day the towers fell…likewise, that was hell. Memorial Day, will we care? Do we value… do we love…do we remember why we are free…do we carelessly handle our days…do we remember to thank God? Salute the returning soldiers whether in box or war-worn or serving in any capacity. Thank a soldier for serving, for their bravery, for serving, for living, for dying - tearfully thankful - even willing to suffer and die in their place…to place yourself in their place…we go on because they go on - as in the show must go on. Do you dare step on the stage with those who engage and ring the bell of freedom? 5/29/2023