Every time I hear taps played, I can't help but get teary eyed. I'm not a veteran, just a thankful American citizen grateful that a brave member of the military had my "6". Many of the never gave me the opportunity to say, "thank you." 

When I think of the ultimate sacrifices made over the centuries by our brave soldiers and servicemen, I cannot help but think also of their incredible families and the sacrificies they made. There's nothing Happy about Memorial Day. In fact, it is the saddest holiday our country recognizes. 

Despite the grief this day inspires, I understand I am a blessed man to live in the home of the free and the land of the brave.

I cannot help but daydream.

I think of those brave Patriots who fought and died to gain the foundation of this country in the Revolution.

I think of those who died in the Civil War, and being a southerner I believe those who fought for the Confederacy mattered even though I don't agree with what they were fighting for. Neither did my grandfather many generations ago who gave his life fighting for the Union while living in Tennessee.  

My history book shows how soldiers sacrifices shaped the resolve of this country.

Many brave young souls perished in World War 1 in a war where mankind found better ways to kill one another. 

I imagine the raid on Tokyo by James Doolittle's bombers following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Their attack would not win the war on that day, but they sent a statement - the United States of America would not take a sucker-punch and cower down. They were willing to lay down their lives in what amounted to a suicide mission. How many of these kinds of missions did we never hear about?

I see those Korean War soldiers who died in a war almost forgotten by our country. I want to tell them, "I remember you."

I see over 58,000 Vietnam casualties who had their ultimate sacrifice tarnished because some ignorant protester who didn't realize the only did what was asked of them. When I look at the names on the marble wall in Washington, DC., I just want to rest my hand against it and tell each listed person, "Your life mattered."

My heart aches for those still missing in action. I never met Major Bobby M. Jones, USAF, but I do have his missing man bracelet. A reminder that when I was only 5 years old, he suffered for my future freedoms. His plane went down over South Vietnam on November 28, 1972 and he was never found.

I think of those young soldiers currently in harm's way all over the world today protecting our freedoms, who are just a bullet or IED away from us recognizing their sacrifice in May instead of November. They are willing to fight the enemy in the Middle East so we don't have to worry about coward terrorists here.

Whether you support the troops being in Afghanistan or or abroad, you support those brave troops who unselfishly did what our country has asked of them. I think of those young men and women who gave their lives, knowing on a day when we should honor their sacrifice, many ungrateful individuals will only use as a day for BBQ and day off from work. They will stand on a flag or burn it to show their ignorance. When they do this, they ignore the fact a dead soldier provided them the right for their freedom of speech. 

I hope we all recognize the Medal of Honor isn't won, it's earned and more times than not in a soldier giving their life to protect others. 

I think of the young son sitting down to play with his favorite action figure or the young daughter dressing her doll, both wishing Daddy and Mommy could be there to tuck them into bed at night.

I think of the wives and husbands, maintaining the demands of a household, all the while dealing with the painful loss of their spouse which just can't be shaken.

I think of the parents who lost their sons and daughters. They pray, “Dear Lord, please take this pain away."

Remember, freedom isn’t free. It comes with a price.

And they all gave their lives today for our cookouts and races, but will we remember them? Or will we ask, "What would you like on your hot dog?"

Some will eat a hot dog. They will consume some apple pie. Some will take in a baseball game. These are iconic American traditions.

Brave soldiers giving their lives for us is also an American tradition. 

Let's honor their memory by putting the Memorial in Memorial Day.