If you have the day off (one of the many gifts of freedom we have, thanks to the servicemen and women of the United States), I'm sure you are already thankful to the men and women that protect and serve our country. But seriously, Memorial Day is about remembering the sacrifices that those in military have made for the sake of us all. And where better than the birthplace of our nation to celebrate our veterans and enlisted men and women?
Fox29 brings some Memorial Day messages from two Marines overseas: Master Sergeant Will T. Mobley of Philadelphia and Corporal Robert Sitler of Bucks County.
MSgt. Mobley and Cpl. Sitler had the same message: gratitude and remembrance."Take time to say thank you to somebody who is either with us or gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country," MSgt. Will T. Mobley III said. MSgt. Mobley continued:
"Memorial Day isn't just about sales and just about barbecues. It's about remembering what someone gave for this country so that we can practice the freedoms that we practice. It really touches me as a veteran because, one, I'm over here, but, two, I come from a family that all served. Every male in my family has served for this country. So, Memorial Day, we've been celebrating it for a long time, and now my kids can keep that tradition up. So, while you're about to have some of that good barbecue back at home in the park, take a moment to bow your head and say thank you to somebody that gave the ultimate sacrifice."
Cpl. Sitler told the reporter:
"Ma'am, I believe it's very important that everybody at home takes a moment of silence and appreciates the fact, you know, some of our brothers have fallen in defending our great nation."
Parades, picnics, barbecues and block parties are fantastic, and it wouldn't be Memorial Day without them. But it's also important that we remember the ongoing problems our veterans face, from dealing with medical ailments suffered while in combat, asbestos diseases from exposure during military service, or dealing with PTSD. Heroism isn't a picnic, and we need to remember veterans (and everyone who is currently serving) year round, not just when we get a day off.
Why bring this up on a blog about mesothelioma? Well, many veterans (especially those who served from the 1940s to the 1970s) were exposed to asbestos during their service, and years later, that exposure sometimes comes back in the form of mesothelioma. Steve McQueen is one famous example of a US Marine whose time cleaning asbestos insulation from pipes on a ship resulted in mesothelioma, the often-fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs.
So many sacrifices are made for our sake, and some, like the deaths of those who develop mesothelioma, are all the more tragic because they are unnecessary. No one had to be exposed to asbestos; they just were.
This Memorial Day, thank a veteran. And if you are a veteran, make sure you ask your doctor about military asbestos exposure, especially if you experience asbestosis symptoms or mesothelioma symptoms. Early detection is important in fighting mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Have a happy holiday and take care.
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