Dress • Old Navy, sold out.  Similar here and below | Shoes • Converse | Sunglasses  • Ann Taylor (50% off!)| Bag • Rebecca Minkoff, sold out.  Similar here and on sale!| Lip Gloss •  MAC  Russian Red

Happy Memorial Day.  Even as I write that, it seems odd to me.  If I reflect on the true purpose of this day, it isn’t about being happy, but it is certainly about being thankful.  Thankful to brave men and women in uniform who have given their lives for us, for our country, for our way of life.

Both my father-in-law and my late father were in the military.  My father-in-law will turn 91 this summer.  At 17 he joined the Navy and was plunged, almost literally, into World War II.  He drove the landing boats that deposited our fighting men onto the beaches in the Pacific theater.  After the things he saw there at such a young age, he can’t watch the more realistic war movies.  He tried to see Saving Private Ryan, but it was too much.  It brought back too many memories.  I can’t even imagine.

My father was an Air Force pilot.  We grew up military; Dad was in the service until I was in high school.  He flew reconnaissance in Vietnam, but he never talked about it with me.  He probably shared more with my husband – maybe it was the man thing.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for placing himself in danger to save fellow soldiers.  Even now I don’t know the full story, but I’m immensely proud of his bravery.

This weekend we watched 13 Hours, the movie that chronicles the attack in Benghazi in which four Americans lost their lives.  Once again I was awed by the skill and bravery of our military, the finest fighting force in the world.

So for Memorial Day, although I’m showing fun red, white and blue, I’m more interested in thanking our military men and women and their families, because there are sacrifices made at home as well.  If you’ve served, if your family member has served, or, and I hope not, you’ve lost a loved one who’s served, I cannot begin to thank you enough.  Your sacrifice and service is recognized and appreciated.  My prayers and my heart are with you.