Happy (Belated) Memorial Day! (Wordful Wednesday)

Yes, Yes, I know. I am kind of behind the ball on this one.

What can I say? I did absolutely nothing this weekend.

Except get all misty eyed thinking about this post. But I have just now figured out how to put it into words.

Funny the things that come to mind when you are watching Mob Wives. (Don't judge me. It's a guilty pleasure.)

Anyways.

Memorial Day. The unofficial first day of summer. A long weekend.

But what is it really?

A day of rememberance for those we have lost. A day of rememberance for those who left and came back in a pine box.

(Source)

Or worse, the ones who came home with no name.

(Source)

I feel very lucky and honored to still have my brother, and other members of my family in the military.

Many families have not been so lucky.

In recent years, the military has gained more respect and reverence than ever before.

My brother, who as you may or may not know, is in the military. Has been for about two years now. When he is in uniform, perfect strangers come up to him and thank him for his service. They buy him food. It makes me misty to have seen it with my own eyes.

So, in honor of Memorial Day, a day of reverance, I would honor the best sibling anyone could ever ask for. So what if he is my only sibling? Who asked you anyway?

 These are some pretty old pictures. So bear with me. I can't get pictures of DJ in his uniform very often. These pictures were taken back in the day when that was all. he. could. wear.

My brother is the smartest person I know. He can be a smart ass, but he's smart, so I guess its his prerogative.
Don't forget, I have some pictures of him and his girlfriend Julia from when I was in New York here.

This is his I'm-Not-Going-To-Smile face. I think he failed.

 Photo Courtesy of my Mama

And here he is reading a card I sent with my parents (I didn't get to go to this graduation. ) It sang Hamster Dance. I know, I know, I am awesome. He is trying to hold back his laughter. :)

 Photo Courtesy of my Mama

It's hard to believe he has been in the military for two years already.

In August, he gets his orders. Let's hope he is coming home to California!

He's lived in a few other states already, and he said nothing beats California.

Take that, rest of the country!

We just owned you.

 -------

Please take a moment to honor those who gave up their liberty so you could have yours, past and present, alive and dead.
It is truely a wonderful thing they do, and a huge sacrifice, so please remember to keep them in your prayers,

Regardless of political affiliations or if you agree with the wars,you should stand behind our military. Or you can stand in front of them. Your choice.

Linking up with And Then, She {Snapped} and The Paper Mama.