As the son of a military veteran–my father served in the Army in the Korean War–Memorial Day is a holiday that has special meaning to me.
I’ve also be impressed as I’ve worked in the softball world for the last two decades to come across many who themselves have been in the military or even college-aged players who currently are serving in behalf of their country (not just the U.S. but internationally too).
As we’ve done in previous years, we would love for YOU–current and former players, coaches, family members and others with ties to our softball world–to share your thoughts on this topic:
What Does Memorial Day Mean to You?
In a few sentences or paragraphs, share your thoughts on your own experiences or ties to someone who has served.
Please email me at Brentt.Eads@ExtraInningSoftball.com by the deadline of Sunday at 6 pm EST if you’d like to contribute. We will post as many of your submissions as possible on Monday, May 31, 2021 (Memorial Day).
— Brentt Eads, Extra Inning Softball
*****
To provide an example, here’s a nice tribute offered last year by Caroline Patterson, a Top 50 honoree in the 2024 Extra Elite 100:
My family has a long history of military service. Â My dad just recently retired from the United States Air Force, but long before that my family has served.
Both of my grandfathers, great grandfathers, great-great grandfathers, and my great uncle have served in the military.
One of my family members, Orville Langenwalter was serving on the USS Arizona during Pearl Harbor. Â He was 24-years-old when he was killed there.
On Memorial Day I am thankful for each one of their services, but especially those whose lives were lost while serving our country.
I am so proud to have grown up being a child of the military. Â Thank you to all of our soldiers that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our country. And also to those that are still serving.
