Memorial Day

Posted on May 31, 2021 by M. E. Murray

Dear Readers, I find it difficult to write about my feelings regarding this important date in history, particularly this year. It could be due to the fact that we have lost many friends and relatives to Covid-19. In addition, many members of our military have given up the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, years ago and recently; therefore, I think that veterans should be honored, not only today but every day.

My oldest brother an army veteran passed away in 2016, and probably fought in the Vietnam War. My husband an army veteran also served our country during the Vietnam War. I consider myself very lucky because my husband survived Vietnam. Two days ago, we celebrated our 50^th wedding anniversary. My husband’s brother, David was a Marine. He was a kind person and truly cared for his family. Unfortunately, cancer took him away from us too soon. I truly miss him and my brothers. My younger brother was not able to enlist in the Vietnam War because a foot deformity kept him from joining the Army. He passed away August of last year, and I truly miss him. Whenever we chatted, we resembled a pair of comedians performing a comedy sketch. It is difficult to live without recalling those times that made our insides hurt from laughing.

I can’t keep the tears from flowing when I recall losing loved ones. People who have not experienced the loss of a beloved family member or friend in a war might have difficulty figuring out why some of us get emotional and teary-eyed when our country sets days aside to honor our deceased and surviving veterans. This Memorial Day, I truly wish folks, who have lost a loved one in a war or to an illness, a pleasant day full of precious, positive memories.

Veteran’s Day

Posted on November 11, 2020 by M. E. Murray

**Waving the American Flag to Honor All Veterans**

Today, I respectfully thank all veterans for protecting our country.

My beloved husband, Bob, served in the Army during the Vietnam war. Thank God he survived. I am sure that my older brother, Victor F. Solis, also served during this terrifying war; however, he never spoke about it. He passed away October 6, 2016, and I dearly miss him. I also miss my brother-in-law, David Murray, who was a marine. I’m sure he’s in Heaven chatting with his parents, friends, relatives, and Victor.

I’m ending this blog with a special prayer: “Dear God, please bless and protect our armed forces!”

Memorial Day

Posted on May 23, 2020 by M. E. Murray

During this coronavirus pandemic, I consider myself very fortunate to see another Memorial Day. It was during a Memorial Day weekend that my husband, who served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam war, and I got married.

The youngest of four children, I was too young to know about drafts and the Vietnam war, and why my older brother left home, wearing fatigues and hauling a large bag that was probably loaded with military gear. He returned to be with our family for a while, and then left again. The Army did not accept my younger because he had an imperfection on one of his feet. College students fled to Canada to avoid the draft. Others took whatever time they had left to enjoy themselves in any possible way because they were destined to go to Vietnam.

My older brother passed away on October 6, 2016. I miss him a lot. He was courageous and served his tour of duty and also continued to serve in the Army reserves. I never asked him why he continued to serve or why he did it. I’m sure he had a reason.

I’m not sure when David, one of my husband’s brothers passed away, but it was probably in 2003. Anyway, the year doesn’t matter. What’s important is that my brother-in-law served his country as a Marine. Whenever I talk to David’s widow, I always tell her that I loved her husband. He was a true friend. This year a dear friend lost his brother, Reynaldo Espinosa, who served many years in the Air Force. To these aforementioned friends and relatives, I offer my sincere thanks. They didn’t die serving their country, but I’m more than sure that they would have willingly fought to protect it.

Since I got married on a Memorial Day weekend, I have good memories of friends and relatives getting together, and if it weren’t for my brother, Victor, I wouldn’t have had a single picture of my wedding day. I thanked him for his generosity, but I never asked Victor if he went to Vietnam. He probably did but never discussed it. As I mentioned, earlier, I was too young to ask such a serious question.

This year, Memorial Day is significantly important. It is a day meant to honor all the men and women who gave up their lives for our country through several wars. Currently, we are fighting a war against an invisible enemy, and a lot of people have died. We must remember them, and we must also thank fontline responders: nurses, doctors, EMTs, celebrities, and even children. They have donated their time and money to help folks who need food, clothes, lodging, and jobs. Thank our frontline heroes with all your heart. And ask God to protect them. On Memorial Day, please ask God to help scientists develop a vaccine for this contagious enemy known as COVID-19.

Happy Veterans Day

Posted on November 11, 2019 by M. E. Murray

On November 11, a federal holiday, we honor our military veterans, but it seems to me that our armed forces should be honored every day for the sacrifices they make to protect our country.

My oldest brother, Victor, served in the army during the Vietnam war. My brother-in-law, David, passed away several years ago. He was a marine. My husband served in the army during Vietnam, and is still by my side.

To all the courageous men and women who serve in the armed forces, I issue heartfelt hugs, prayers, and sincere thanks for keeping our country safe. God Bless You!