Memorial Day Message from CPC President Butch Wallis

On Monday, May 29, those of us in the United States celebrate Memorial Day. For many the first thought about the holiday, because of when it is observed, is “summer is starting.” Schools begin to let out with kids (and in my case, grandkids) now able to travel and visit more freely. Some will have college kids return home after being away for a big part of the previous eight or nine months. Lots of you will take advantage of the next couple of months to spend additional time with family and friends or visiting parts of our country or other countries.

While there is nothing wrong with any of the above, Memorial Day should “hit a little different” than most other holidays and not because of the time of the year. This holiday is meant to honor the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It is a time to reflect and show our appreciation and thanks for the men and women who gave their lives defending the country they, and hopefully we, greatly love. We should always remember these are the true heroes of our nation. As Joseph Campbell said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

If you are a truck driver, you may work all or part of the holiday. Either way I encourage all of us to take some time over the weekend (especially on Monday) to think about the true intent of Memorial Day. If you are so inclined, deliberately pause and spend a few moments in deep thought or prayer about what the sacrifice of others means to you. Maybe if gathering with family or friends, make a concerted effort to share together the true meaning of Memorial Day and the reasons we are free to enjoy this day. We are the “home of the free because of the brave!”