Contrary to popular belief, today is not National BBQ Day or National Cookout Day.  No, that’s June 23rd this year.  Rather, it’s Memorial Day.  And although me and the guys here at golfstinks do intend to spend the day on the links before parking ourselves in front of our grills, we have certainly not forgotten why we’re able to do so.

Many times, lost in the three-day weekend is the reason you had the opportunity to hit the links on a Monday morning rather than stare at the walls buried inside your cubicle farm.  Too often we don’t stop to take the time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

But this day is for them.  And in celebration of the brave men and women in all branches of the military, we’re going to take a look back at some of the past posts in which we’ve made mention of our brave brothers and sisters.  Be it Memorial Day, Veterans Day or just because, we at golfstinks believe that everyday should be a day to remember and give thanks to the people who who help to make our lives what they are.

Back in November of 2009, in a post titled Who Are Your Golf Heroes?, Stinky Golfer Greg introduced us to his Uncle Frank – a veteran of World War II and Greg’s personal golf hero.

In March of 2010, we came across the charity Bunkers In Baghdad.  This great organization sends golf equipment to our active duty troops in the desert as well as donates equipment to our troops recovering with the Wounded Warriors Program.

For Memorial Day 2010, Stinky Golfer Pete reflected on a memorable round he played with his buddies father – a veteran of the Vietnam War.  While hearing both stories he enjoyed, as well as others he may have wished he hadn’t heard, Pete was also given some words to live by…

We tend to poke a little fun at some of the over-the-top golf gadgets on the market today.  But in August of 2010 Stinky Golfer Greg found that Wounded Warrior Golf was using a 3-D swing system to help wounded veterans recover their range of motion.  Golf technology is helping our injured veterans recover?  We can’t think of a better use.

Fast forward to Veterans Day 2011 when I got to experience first-hand the appreciation our troops and veterans, as well as their families and friends, have for the support shown to them by the people they are fighting for.  It feels good to know you’re helping, but it feels better when you can truly understand the appreciation that goes along with it.

This Memorial Day, all we ask is that when you’re about to tee off on the first hole, take a bite of a foot-long dog hot off the grill or even just sleep in for a change…take a few minutes to remember why you’re able to do all of these things.  Keep in mind the people who will never be able to experience things like this again.  And say a prayer for those who are still away from their families and friends on a day when many of us civilians are gathering with ours.  Because if it weren’t for the bravery of a few, life would be different for all.

Swing ’til you’re happy!