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In the US, this next weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. It is the unofficial start of summer where we spent time outdoors in recreation and fellowship with friends and family. Nearly everyone one of us can recall a special summer activity, trip, or when… Rotary Clubs around the country will taking time to honor those who died in service to the nation which allowed us the opportunity to create those special memories. One of clubs local to me, as are many other clubs, will be marching the community’s Memorial Day parade. Other Rotary Clubs will be decorating the headstone of the nation’s fallen with flags or wreaths.
While I have had family and friends serve in the country’s military, I am fortunate to not know the sense of loss of a loved one killed in battle. I believe the words of President Kennedy provide a guide for me. He said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” I find Rotary’s guiding principles – The Four-Way Test and Object of Rotary – provide me with a strong purpose and direction for expressing gratitude to those who have created the opportunities that I have in my life.