Memorial Day Reality
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This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. When we hear Memorial Day, we tend to think of cookouts, family gatherings, traveling, camping, and fishing. Why do we celebrate this holiday? It would appear that the true meaning has been lost on the current generations. The true reasoning is to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice for us to live freely in the United States of America.
As a combat veteran that served in Iraq, and Afghanistan, there is a strong reality that Memorial Day brings upon me; as well as other veterans in multiple levels. From the heavy traffic, thick crowds, fireworks, etc… In this society, everyone is concerned with triggers, but only if the triggers benefit them. They do not seem to have the ability to accept the triggers of those that served and made it home. We here at Created Outdoors would like to share with you some of the triggers that can place someone near you into a state of suffering. Mathew 7:12 tells us, “So whatever you wish others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”.
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While fireworks are a beautiful, and exciting show; they need to be respected, and used responsibly. They have the ability to cause extreme, and even fatal harm. With this in mind, please try to remember that fireworks can, and will cause flashbacks for veterans that served in combat. They can sound very similar to IED’s (improvised explosive devices), mortar rounds, and even small arms fire. When a flashback is experienced, the feelings that were experienced in that moment are relived.
Smells can also cause a flashback. The smell of diesel exhaust, gun powder, burning trash, and even over cooked meat. It is easy to be judgmental when we are around someone that experiences a flashback. While you are not expected to understand, just try to be sympathetic.
Understanding that Memorial Day in itself is difficult for some of us, as we remember the brother’s and sister’s that we lost in service. There is usually a sense of guilt, or survivor’s guilt associated with these memories. Especially the memories that are enjoyable, or happy moments.
Try to help ground them in that moment. Grounding is a coping technique, that can be extremely useful. The idea is to use mindfulness to help bring the person back from panic, anxiety, or flashbacks. Praying can be a great mindfulness technique. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”. Try to be respectful this Memorial Day weekend. Make a conscience effort to not over stimulate the combat veterans in your lives, and neighborhoods.
Memorial Day is a great way to celebrate the freedoms that we have as American citizens. To remember that these specific freedoms, and life styles are anything but free. The tolls are paid in the blood, and with the lives of the men and women that were brave, and selfless enough to give it all. They gave all for you, me, the United States, and in the name of God our Father. Until next time, hunt hard, and pray harder.
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Written by,
Evan Gersper Created Outdoors Staff Writer