Dear friends:
The first holiday of the summer is almost here—Memorial Day. So many of us look forward to this holiday because it is usually the first sign of summer and a very special time to be with family.
Memorial Day has many traditions for me. As you may recall, it used to be called “Decoration Day.” I remember going with my parents when I was a small child to the various cemeteries where our loved ones were buried. We would clear the grave site and plant spring flowers. Finally, we would always pray, thanking God for their lives, their influence on us and the singular memories they had given us. This is quite important to me.
Another tradition for me is attending the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. I have attended “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” event since I was in the fourth grade. I first went with my uncle Orla. Throughout the years I have gone with my father, my brother-in-law, my wife—but most of the time during the last several years it has been with my sister Sue. We will be going again this year. What a tradition!!
There are many customs at Indy but the ones I appreciate the most are those associated with honoring our soldiers. Men and women of all branches march around the 2½-mile oval. As they march by, all stand and clap in appreciation for the sacrifice they and thousands of others have made for our freedom. As they parade by, I always get goose bumps. Finally, “Taps” is played. Even though there are more than 500,000 people in attendance, silence always falls over the crowd. Many have tears in their eyes, including me.
A few years ago this custom was exceptional. All the living Medal of Honor recipients marched single file around the track. These extraordinary Americans have given so much for our freedom. As you know, most Medals of Honor are given posthumously to the families of the fallen soldier by the President. Most recipients do not survive their heroic act. What a sight it was to see the survivors march around the track. I had tears in my eyes. I then looked up and a stealth bomber was flying over. What a feeling of pride I had in my heart. I was so emotionally involved that many around me wanted to know if I was alright.
So, my friends, these are my thoughts this Memorial Day. We should never forget that men and women have given and are giving their time and their health—and some their lives—for you and me. Freedom comes with a great price. Many seem to forget that today.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your Memorial Day.
God bless you,
David
Dear Dr. Wolf:
Thank you for sharing such wonderful sentiments. Growing up the daughter of a career soldier, I know first hand the sacrifices a military family makes and I have such a strong appreciation for anyone in the military. Monday is truly a day for remembering and honoring them.
I look forward to seeing you again,as I have started back at the clinic. Enjoy your race this weekend, and have a blessed and safe holiday.
Dear Nancy, Thank you for taking time to read my message. I am so glad you will be working in the clinic again. God Bless You. Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
What a beautiful story, I really enjoyed it. Thank you so very much for sharing. God Bless You!!
Dr. Wolf,
Thank you so much for this beautiful story and for sharing it. I really do appreciate it. God Bless You!!!!!!
Dear Cindy, Thank you again for sharing. I am so glad that God made you apart of my life. Have a special Day. Say hello to your pastor for me. Dr. Wolf
Thank you for sharing such personal memories with us. I recently retired from the VA Hospital here and it was such an honor to serve those that served us.
Barbara , So good to hear from you. Good luck in your retirement. I am sure you will make it meaningful! Happy Memorial Day. Dr. Wolf
“And I gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today, ’cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA.”
And God bless you, David Wolf, for your great heart of love for God, family and country. We, who call you friend, are blessed to get the overflow. . .
Standing on the wall with you,
Jan
Dear Jan, What a special friend you are. Your words alway make me cry!! Never forget I appreciate all you have done for me. God Bless You. David
Amen! It always means so much for all who have preceded us and have left with us a legend. The sacrifices given for us shall never be forgotten. God bless all of you and the USA.
Richard, AMEN!! Thank you for your comments. God Bless you and your family. David
Dear Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for the beautiful memories you have shared. I too, am very thankful for all of those that have served our country to enable us the freedom that we all share. Bless you and your family on this special holiday that we are all looking forward to spending with our family and friends. Have a wonderful day!
Dear Judy, Thank you for reading my Memorial Day message. I alway appreciate your comments. Have a special day.
Dr. Wolf
Thank you, David, for sharing from your heart once again. Glad you and Sue can go to the race again this year. Know your folks are happy you have continued this tradition. God bless you. Waiting on God’s perfect timing for the publishing of your book. He knows when!!!
Love and prayers,
Claudia
Dear Claudia, Thank you for taking time to read my message. I think of you frequently. Thank you also for being a member of my prayer team! How is your back doing? Have a special day. David
Have fun at Indy Dr Wolf. Have a great weekend
Anita
I will be studying for an Ob PEDS test and trying to pass dosage calculations test. I’m happy your blog brought me to a place where I could imagine to be outside of where I will be. Thank you 🙂
Dear Anita, Thank you again for your comments. I can alway count on you. Good luck on your up coming examines. Don’t forget I want to attend your graduation. Dr. Wolf
BLESSINGS TO ALL OF US IN BELIEVING WHO OUR SUPPORTER, HEALER, SOURCE OF COMFORT, KING, PRINCE OF PEACE IS IN OUR LIVES.
Dear Joy, Your words are so true. Thank you for reading my message. Dr. Wolf
Dear David,
As always – the love in your heart overflows with joy for us to enjoy. Thank you for sharing your personal memories and for providing the meaningful video. Watching it gave me time to pause and be thankful for the freedom God has given me through these American heroes.
Love, Connie
Dear Connie, Thank you for you special words. Your friendship is so important to me. Love, David
~Thank you, Dr. Wolf. Your messages are always a blessing to me.
Patricia, Proud mother of Cpl. Justin P Pope
5-21-83+3-4-09
Dear Pat, Thank you. Please tell your son we are proud of him and are praying for him. Dr. Wolf
Thanks with Blessing us again with your special thoughts and insights.
Jerry, You are welcome. I hope your summer will be relaxing and meaningful.
Dr. Wolf
Thank you for your birthday wishes. It was much appreciated. Also, thank you for sharing your experience and feelings on Memorial Day. Yes we must remember all who gave us our freedom. I am moving back downriver to be closer to our daughters.
God bless you
Virginia
Dear Virginia, Thank you again for reading my message. I hope you had a very special Memorial Day. Take care my friend. Dr. Wolf
Dr. Wolf,
Thank you for the wonderful reminder to remember the sacrifice other have made on my behalf. Freedom is not free, it has come at the cost of many lives.
God bless you and God Bless America!
Drew Flamm
Dear Drew, I appreciate your words and taking time to read my message. I hope you had a very special Memorial Day.
Dr. Wolf