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In the United States military, Memorial Day, is day 1 of what we call the "101 Days of Summer" which is an annual period of 101 days where there are statistically much more higher amounts of accidents and deaths, not caused by war, but rather caused by people making poor decisions or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time, that results in accidental deaths, such as due to alcohol abuse, high risk activities such as bungee jumping, drinking and driving, drowning, skydiving, and many other things to do that are high-risk activities.
This period lasts from Memorial Day until Labor Day. After that time period, the statistics of deaths that are non-war related, within the US military, are suicides, unfortunately.
But as a US Military Veteran, Memorial Day does symbolize those who have fought and died within the military under the guise of protecting freedom, among other contexts, some of which are horrible reasons that we go to war in the first place.
I have had many friends die within the military, and I had an uncle who died in Vietnam in 1969.
Both of my parents are veterans, and I can really imagine how my father must've felt when his older brother died.
However that did not stop my father from joining the U.S. Navy for one term, and then the U.S. Army for another term. My mother of which, is a U.S. Army veteran herself who did a one term enlistment.
I myself, am a US Air Force Veteran, of 8 years, and as I have said I have seen unfortunate circumstances that resulted in the deaths of friends of mine due to both the effects of war and also the effects of the activities mentioned above during this period of the 101 days of Summer.
I do hold dear the sacrifices that friends and family have made for the United States, however, I am well aware of false pretenses of war and am not fond of how human lives of friends, family, or colleagues, are used in such a dispensable manner.
I am not trying to be a pessimistic downer, however, I can say this:
Since this summer season is about to kick off, please be safe and responsible no matter what you do.
And if you are within the military, regardless of whatever country serve, please be safe, and please keep the memory of those who served with you or before you, in your mind and heart.
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Posted: Fri May 23, '14, 12:18 am 
