Remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice

It has been said, “all gave some, some gave all.” This is what Memorial Day should be about.

For some across America, they would rather spend the day barbecuing or going up the river for the Memorial Day Weekend.

This isn’t what the weekend should be about. It should be all about taking the time to remember the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price. Those who went to the battles of D-Day on the beaches of Normandy, Iwo Jima, the Battle of the Bulge, the Korean War, Vietnam, and beyond.

Many of those brave souls never made it back home. They either returned in a coffin or are Missing in Action (MIA).

One of my family’s biggest traditions was to watch the Indianapolis 500 every Sunday of the Memorial Day Weekend. I would help out with the cooking and get the food ready just in time for the race. My Dad reminded us that it was important to remember those who made it possible for us to enjoy the things we had in front of us.

Another tradition I would do with my nephew is to visit my grandpa’s grave, U.S Air Force Sergeant Manuel Leno Espinoza who was a World War II and Korean War Veteran. Unfortunately, my grandpa died before I was born. On May 24, 1962 he was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 40.

Even though my grandpa was able to return home after the war to marry the love of his life, my grandma, it was short-lived. However, my grandpa witnessed his crew being killed in action when he was a bombardier during World War II. Some of those people were close friends of his or people he knew.

Each time I visited his grave at the San Fernando Cemetery, each American Flag I put on his grave was in honor of the people who died in front of him. Because my grandpa’s life was short-lived, I did not want him to be forgotten. If I had not taken time to honor him and his crew, it would be like his service to America was all for nothing.

It’s my way of showing his service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

My nephew and the next generation of family members will carry on his legacy.

I encourage everyone to take the time to remember our brave heroes who have allowed us to live free in the greatest country on God’s green earth. Remember they did not make it home and their families are still mourning the loss of a loved one who died in the defense of protecting our nation.

It is a price we can never repay but what we can do as American Patriots is to repay with gratitude and appreciation. It’s the least we can all do.