It's Memorial Day Weekend - What it Means to My Heritage

Memorial Day is Monday

Many of you may believe this means the start of Summer. 

To me it means much more. Keep reading and watching these videos. 

Part of family legally immigrated to the USA to become Americans in the early 1900s (the other part of my family has been on the land for... this is another story). New to the USA, they struggled and made backbreaking sacrifices just to make things work, and to assimilate into The American way of Life. Don't get me wrong, they still held onto their heritage, but now they were going to live in the USA and be Americans.

Part of this process had a heavy cost. All of the men immigrated to the USA proudly volunteered to serve in the military when they heard the call to stop the Nazi aggressions.  Why? Because they knew the importance of The American Way was worth fighting for, and they knew this was a worthy cause for not only them, but for future generations of their family.

My father heard the call during the Korean War. He also volunteered to ensure a better life for his family and for his community - a community of people with most he didn't even know. My father was a Patriot. He was proud of his heritage, and of those who had served before him. 

In the 1980s, the economy was roaring. I was making a good living in the financial world. But then I heard the call, and I joined the military to Serve. To serve people whom I didn't know, and people who didn't know me. But I knew that the cause was noble, and I owed it to my country for providing me with opportunities to become more than I ever expected. 

After three wars, numerous deployments, tours with NATO, and humanitarian relief assignments, I felt it was time to retire. 

Four Generations in War Zones & Seeing More Thank Most Can Imagine
My Great Uncles, Great Grandfather, my Father, my Uncles, my Cousins, myself, and now Nephews, and even my Wife. We have experienced extended periods away from home - no family contact, extreme stress, losing friends, & seeing more than we care to discuss or write about. Events that are tattooed in our minds and recalled in our dreams.

Would I answer the call again?
Let me say this... I may have retired, but I have not resign my commission. 

May I Make 2 Simple Requests?
1. If you happen to see a Veteran this weekend - or any day for that matter - please take time to say, "Thank You". If doing so makes you feel uncomfortable, please realize the discomfort they have felt. But your kind words will mean a lot to them and help them. They will appreciate your world, and they will appreciate you. 

2. Take time to pause. Take time to appreciate your freedoms. Take time to appreciate you quality of Life. Take time to remember that men and women have made the ultimate sacrifices to ensure you the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit Happiness.


I wish you Happineness. Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, and your summer. 

written by Greg Pasden

International Traveler, Best selling author, Coffee Entrepreneur.