I have been very excited the last couple of weeks. Memorial Day was coming, and I would have a long weekend. I would have a weekend where I could sleep late, read my books, enjoy my yard and just kick back and relax.

Then I got the news that my young cousin came home from Iraq safe and sound. We had been praying for her safe return for many months. Recently her mom received an e-mail explaining that she was scared for the first time during her tour when their base was compromised. She is a brave young woman, and we are very happy she is home safe and sound. I am reminded that we still have many men and women serving our country that are not safe and sound.

It was the reminder I needed to remember why we have a three-day weekend. Memorial Day is a day to honor those that have died in our nation’s service.

We take holidays for granted. Many of our holiday’s meanings have changed in our minds over the years. We get excited about Christmas not because it is a celebration of Jesus birth but because it is time of presents and holiday festivities. The Easter Bunny gets high recognition on Easter. The Fourth of July is a time for picnics and fireworks. Fourth of July is Independence Day, but I suspect because we take our freedom for granted that for some people the meaning is lost.

I was surprised as I looked through the calendar the many days that we honor our country and the men and women who have fought for our country and its independence. I knew the days existed, but I too take them for granted.

I live with a Vietnam veteran. Vietnam was not a popular war, yet these veterans served our country. These men and women came home with many scars that they still live with today. Whether we agree or not with the Iraq War we need to support our men and women who are serving our country because they, too, will be left with scars, as were the men and women in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War and other battles we have fought. Popular or not, we need to show our veterans that we remember them. We need to thank them.

So check out the following dates. When these days appear on your calendar instead of thinking of these days as I did, which is another day off or a time for celebration, please remember the people that helped our country become free and stay free.

Feb. 18: Presidents Day

May 8: VE Day

May 17: Armed Forces Day

May 26: Memorial Day

June 6: D-Day

June 14: Flag Day

July 4: Independence Day

Sept: 1: Labor Day

Sept. 2: VJ Day

Sept. ll: Patriot Day

Sept. 19: POW/MIA

Recognition Day

Oct. 13: Columbus Day

Nov. 11: Veterans Day

“None who have always been free can understand the terrible fascinating power of the hope of freedom to those who are not free.” — Pearl S. Buck

Wells resident Julie Seedorf’s column appears every Monday.

E-mail her at somethingabout nothing@mchsi.com.