Honor The Stories
When I was a young boy, I have fond memories of our family traveling to Kingfisher, Oklahoma to visit with family on Memorial Day. We would meet at the city park and stake our claim to the patio tables where we would unload food before we ran off the play with my brothers, sisters, and cousins… We played just about every game you could think of, including running across the long swinging bridge. I remember many visits with uncles and aunts, but don’t remember a lot of talk about what Memorial Day was all about. I just knew it was a day we got to go to the park to play with our cousins and spend time with family. Our family had many uncles that served in the military including my mom’s papa, Wayland Causey. Grandfather Wayland served in the US Navy and was killed during WWII in an explosion at Port Chicago in northern California. He left his wife Lillian and 4 children. My mom was the youngest child at just 6 months old. She was just a baby… I can’t imagine how my grandmother felt at the park on that day. I would give anything to go back and talk to her about this…
Unfortunately, I can’t do this because she is no longer with us… but what I can do is honor her by sharing the stories of her husband serving our great nation. The stories about who he was and how he served so many others gave their life to have what we have today. I am so grateful. When times are tough, think of this day every day…
When times are tough… honor the stories!
When times are tough, think about…Arlington National Cemetery, Civil War. Concord Bridge, Fields of Antietam, Beaches of Normady, Berlin Wall, Okinawa, Ground Zero, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Port Chicago, Afghanistan, and more…
When time are tough, think about what we have… and what we can do to serve others. It’s a great time to be grateful!
Today, I am grateful for those who served – and continue to serve our great country. I am also grateful to honor our men and women by participating in “Carry The Load” on this Memorial Day in Dallas. Watch 2 min video to learn about how this organization was started… This year, I am honored to carry my grandfather Wayland Causey, US Navy WWII, friend Jeff’s father MSgt Ralph Palkowski USMC, friend Steve’s father in law Harold Yax that served WWII 5th Armored Division in “Battle of the Bulge”, and friend Mona’s uncle Raymond Leonard who served in US Navy during Vietnam.
Who can I carry for you? I would enjoy hearing your story and how you spend Memorial Day.
Quote of the day… “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” -President Ronald Reagan
If you would like to donate to Carry The Load, , click here. I would be honored to add you to my pack!
Wishing you and your family a happy Memorial Day holiday. I am thankful for you!
This is “Move to Inspire” with Bruce Waller! For more information, call 972-389-5673, or email bwaller@goarmstrong.com or check out my social media Facebook and Twitter page. Also, check out www.BruceWaller.com to review my leadership books “Life in the Leadership Lane”, “Find Your Lane” or pick up a copy of my journal “Milemarkers” to start recording your everyday. All books are available on amazon. Be sure to subscribe to my YOUTUBE channel to watch the video podcasts and other messages to help you lead in the workplace! “Life in the Leadership Lane podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform including APPLE, GOOGLE, and SPOTIFY. Interested in a book club? Join our book club “CLIMB” on Facebook.