It’s almost surreal that a multitude of men and women have died before ever getting to a stage in life where they could truly appreciate what they are striving to preserve; and those who grow old in comfort, having never served, cannot fully appreciate the sacrifice made on their behalf.  It’s an undeniably sad reality.  I think this is why we need a Memorial Day, a time when we are challenged to make the connection between their deaths and our lives.  A time to reflect and try to understand that the accumulated sacrifice of those we honor today is the costs incurred so that those of us more fortunate than them can enjoy the comforts of liberty, relative safety, and the rewards of our labor.  As difficult as this may be for some, it doesn’t matter, it’s still our moral duty to try and make this connection.