Memorial Day at the Dollar Store!
May 30, 2010
When I arrived in Charleston SC, I recognized immediately that just about everybody here knows someone in the Armed Forces, either veteran or active duty. The news about Iraq and Afghanistan is much less abstract to folks in Charleston than in some other places, because it’s happening to our husbands, nephews, daughters-in-law, or people from church.
In my case, it’s a young guy at the wife’s office. A young realtor and 1st lieutenant in the Army reserves, he was called up in January. Now, he leads a unit that provides armed escort for contractors rebuilding roads and bridges in Afghanistan.
My wife got the idea to send him regular care packages from the office bunch. She takes up a collection, and then we head to the Dollar Tree (West Ashley is the best!) in search of items that a 20-something guy would like or utilize, and that can endure a 3-week, 7000-mile shipping journey. Playing cards, gum, candy, socks, beef jerky, toothpaste, floss, sunscreen, nail clippers… the list goes on and on. Basic items he can use, or even trade with his comrades.
If you know someone over there, wherever “there” is, you really should do this. Lists are available online (like THIS ONE) that suggest some useful items. If you’re lucky (like my wife) you might even find a sympathetic UPS guy (on DI) who sympathizes and provides expert packing for free.
And, while we are remembering those service members who are still with us, let’s also take time to remember those who are not. Sort of the point of Memorial Day, yes? Monday morning, head on down to Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant. There, at 9am…
Retired Marine Col. Myron Harrington will speak on sacrifice as visitors honor the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Parking and admission are free until 9:30 a.m. Visit www.patriotspoint.org.
And there you have it… a blog post about the war with ZERO politics! You’re welcome.
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