Memorial Day

In 1987 Bill and I made a trip to the U.S.S.R. Glasnost had been adopted (a Russian word for "openness") and communism was on the way out, but its effects were still evident. The shroud of socialism over the Soviet people was paralyzing and depressing.

We saw workers at "construction sites" in Moscow just sitting, smoking, passing time. If the state assigns you a job, and you won't be promoted nor paid more for working harder or better, why work at all? Food in even the most upscale restaurants was mediocre. Our hotel room was like a low-rent room from the 1950's, including a broken radio in the bedside table. Merchandise in dimly-lit department stores was dated and meager. Everything just seemed dirty. Saddest of all were the people. No smiles, no joy. They looked spirit-less at best and lifeless at worst.

I came home thankful that we can choose where to live and work.  We take for granted the ability and freedom to improve our lives in this country. For the first time in my life, I realized first-hand the benefits of living in a nation that embraces free enterprise and democracy. 

We've heard it before: freedom isn't free. But it's true. I thank all those who have bought our freedoms with their very lives. In the midst of our grilled burgers and baked beans, I hope we all pause to remember.