05/23/2026
Remember! Give Thanks! Be Safe!
Memorial Day should not be confused with Veteran's Day! π
Bear with me. This IS long, but know that it's very heartfelt for me!
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Hello everyone! This is Bob, one of the organizers of our Finders Keepers outdoor market events in Greeley, Colorado! We are due for another weekend post about our upcoming event dates, including our June 20th one! However, I felt that I would be seriously remiss if we didn't take deliberate pause and remember what this coming Monday is really all about, first!
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I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy, with two brothers who served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army, respectively. And my father served 2 full 1-year tours in Vietnam during his 28-year run with the U.S. Army before us! Sometimes, even WE need reminders to slow down, take pause, and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us!
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Personally, I recommend that we all NOT wish everyone a "Happy Memorial Day," because if you stop and think about what this day was established for, it's much more of a solemn time of rememberance. I am not passing judgement on anyone, nor will I ever do so for this reason. Memorial Day has a different meaning for all of us. In my opinion, I suggest that we take time to remember, give thanks, and enjoy a safe time with our friends, family, or both.
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Memorial Day was originally set aside to remember Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, but following World War I, its scope expanded to include those who died in ANY military action involving U.S. forces. Many US cities hold their own memorial observations for honoring their hometown heroes. Individuals also take time to call those they know who have lost a veteran while in or out of uniform, just to give thanks for their sacrifices as a family.
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My heart bleeds for everyone who has lost somebody in uniform, whether it was in the distant past, or just this morning! Adding THIS, only speaking for myself, this includes our men and women in blue, fighting for us every day! Working for municipal, state, or Federal law enforcement can be a thankless job that only those who wear THOSE uniforms can truly appreciate! I remember and appreciate your sacrifices, too!
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Again, no judgements being passed here! π₯° But here is a challenge I want to lay out to you all = If you know a family who has lost a military veteran, please take a few minutes to give them a call to give your thanks and appreciation. Wish them well, as you let them know that you remembered them. If you do NOT know such a family, take a little time out of your busy weekend at this time to post a strong effort to show your appreciation for everyone who has given the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us in this beautiful country! As you consider whether or not you have the time to take me up on this challenge, consider what our lost veterans chose to give for all of us. π₯² Can we all set aside our personal and political differences of opinion for at least this weekend to remember and thank those who've given it all?
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Thank you for reading this far, and for allowing ANY of what I stated above to sink in at least a little! Will YOU take me up on this personal challenge? If you do, I would LOVE to hear from you in a comment below! Let us know how it felt to express your appreciation in whatever way you chose to do this weekend! π
Reading everyone's words below will warm my heart beyond ANYTHING I can express through a keyboard!
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Remember! Give Thanks! Be Safe!
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I'll wait until this Sunday to put up a normal event support post!