Happy Memorial Day

"That out here, between a spaceless sea and sky, American youth has found itself and given itself so that so that at home, the spark may catch burn, burst into flame and burn high. If the country takes this sacrifices with indifference, it will be the cruelest gratitude the world has ever known."
-William Evans, Indianapolis
USS Hornet, April 1942


May 30, 2011- Whats Memorial Day to you? A part of a 4 day weekend off from a long week at work? A day to kick it by the pool? Fire up the grill, drink with friends and family? When I was young, that was what it meant to me. That last holiday before summer vacation. A four day weekend. But with all that has happened in the last decade, each holiday referencing Veterans has a little bit more meaning to me now. I mean how can you not take a little time out of your day to remember those that have died or risked their lives in order for a person like me; no matter my color, sex, age can be free and write a little ole blog such as this.

My friends and I set out to the American Legion Mall downtown, dead smack in the middle of many memorials in Indianapolis, to play some volleyball on this holiday. Not forgetting we are able to play this simple game with ease because of those many men and woman that fought to protect our country. Imagine if we were on the other end of this insipit battle. Tanks were roaming down our streets day in and day out. Troops from another country have set up shop and were constantly roaming our neighborhoods. Waking up and not having the pressure of wondering if today on our walk to work or school, a suicide bomber would strike. Now thats freedom. We have it easy. Volleyball is easy. Driving downtown to drink and hang with friends is easy.

So thank you to all those that have laid down their lives in order for me to play this simple game.

On a side note... always protect those ankles when you play. You never know what type of hole you will fall into and completely break your foot. This poor guy was playing football from the Wheeler Mission and totally dislocated his whole ankle. OUCH! Hope he is alright now.