The Spirit of Memorial Day

I try to refrain from wishing people  "Have a Happy Memorial Day" because it is a time to reflect on those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in war. Memorial Day weekend is more to me than the beginning of summer or barbecues, or sales at JC Penneys. Since I have never been in the military I use it as a time for reflection. I am always grateful to our military for the men and women who have offered their lives to protect our great country.  Politics aside, it is a huge sacrifice for families and communities to send their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, etc. in harms way.  O'Sensei created this wonderful MARTIAL art to create peace and harmony in our lives and the world.  It is an interesting dichotomy that we learn to fight to create peace.  But it is through conflict that we find resolution.  I wish  all of my Shobu brothers and sisters a "Reflective Memorial Day" weekend.  The spirit of Aikido is one of peace and there have been many men and women who have given their lives in a quest for peace.  Let us reflect and be grateful and honor those that have sacrificed so much for freedoms that we are blessed with today.

I wish you well on this Memorial Day Weekend.

Peace to you and your family.

Chelsea