by Karin Windorski-Cruz
The last Monday in May is a special day. For many it signifies the beginning of the Summer season. For others it is the third day of a long weekend spent with family and friends. It is a day for the great deals on just about anything you never knew you needed. This day has also become synonymous with swimming, parties, and grilling outdoors. Occasionally, on this day, you may even hear someone wish you a “Happy Memorial Day!”
For my family, Memorial Day has a very different meaning. Yes, it is a special day, but not for the parties and festivities, and also not one we would consider “happy.” Instead it is a day of solemn reflection and cherishing the memories we have of my late husband and my children’s father.
On the night of January 25, 2009, CW3 Philip Windorski, Jr., a scout reconnaissance helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army, was tasked with flying a mission just outside of Kirkuk, Iraq when both his helicopter and that of his wingmen came under enemy fire. While performing evasive maneuvers after being hit with airborne Improvised Explosive Devices, the two aircraft collided mid-air, killing all four of the brave men aboard the two helicopters. That night, four young women became widows, 10 children lost their fathers, and our nation mourned the loss of her sons.
My family, and all the other Gold Star families who live out the true meaning of Memorial Day on a daily basis, would never ask that anyone stop having parties, picnics, and planning out which sales they are going to hit up n the last Monday in May. However, we hope that we all take time to remember Memorial Day is so much more than that. It is a day set aside for our nation to honor the ultimate price that was paid on our behalf by the men and women who have given their last full measure of devotion in service to this great nation It is because of them, we can sleep soundly under the warm blanket of Freedom.
