“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman
Memorial Day is often viewed as the start of summer – that first long weekend with nice warm weather when everyone gets together and throws some food on the grill. However, our culture seems to forget that it’s truly about a day of remembrance; a day to say a quiet thank you to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we continue to live freely. I’m not saying don’t grill out and have fun this Memorial Day, but I challenge you to take a moment of your day Monday and remember why you aren’t at work.
We don’t know what it’s like to think of our friends, sons and now daughters potentially being drafted into a war. Many of the people we should thank on Memorial Day were given no option but to serve and instead of dodging a harsh reality, they chose to accept the burden, taking on the needs of their country and the others who needed our help. Now, men and women voluntarily accept the job to put America’s freedom on their shoulders; they continue to do whatever is necessary to protect our beautiful country and still, they sometimes have to pay with their lives.
My challenge to each one of you, is to not remember America’s true heroes only today, remember them on your toughest days, remember them on your best days. Teach your children about America’s past. Share the values these fine men and women displayed in the midst of adversity with your families. Take advantage of the time you spend with loved ones and learn to appreciate the little things. When work, family matters, your job or life gets tough, remember things could always be worse. Enjoy each day to the fullest because the men and women we honor on Memorial Day would give anything to spend another minute with their crying baby, working out alongside their friends, talking with their loved ones, or taking a large group of middle schoolers on a field trip. Each day is a blessing.
Don’t ever take for granted this amazing country we live in, nor the men and women who have given their last breathe to maintain our freedom. It is up to us to never let these heroes be forgotten.
One of my favorite things about CrossFit is that we often get the chance to remember these heroes through workouts. These workouts are tough, long and grueling. By doing the Hero WODs and understanding the importance behind them, we ensure that the fallen will never be forgotten.
“For love of country they accepted death…” -James A. Garfield
Jake can be quite the jokester, off the floor, but is best known for lighting a fire under Swamp Rabbit’s athletes, pushing them to achieve their personal best. He is one of those people that is fully functional at 0430, singing Elton John songs, and telling really bad pirate jokes. He has also been blessed with the ability to align with and motivate diverse groups of people to achieve their health and fitness goals.