Memorial Day

This weekend we remember and honor those who fought to give us the freedom we enjoy today.

I have two great-uncles who fought in the Vietnam War. They are heroes. One of them, sadly, passed away some time ago due to injuries he suffered from combat. His brother served in the Marines and served in Vietnam too, after graduating from West Point Academy in NY. Both he and his wife offered and gave their time and resources selflessly to the vets in their neighborhood. They are both such good, good people. Until Covid hit, he would use his minivan to take them to doctors’ appointments, bring food to their homes and help them in any way he could.

These two men exemplify what this day is about. Their service and sacrifice are what I and many others salute on this Memorial Day weekend.

Behind that selfless giving, is a desire for people to be able to live free, be happy and raise strong families built upon understanding, acceptance, and love.

We must not take the freedoms we have for granted. Just like those who fought for these freedoms—so must we fight every day. That could mean fighting against injustice, standing up against domestic violence, or using your voice to speak out for something you strongly believe in.

I continue to advocate for domestic violence victims. Unlike the two great-uncles mentioned above, my father, Mike Rinder has proven to have no such courage or compassion to help others but instead attacks my mom after deserting his two children and wife, leaving her physically damaged for the rest of her life. He victim shames her incessantly and fights against the Freedom of his own children to be, do and believe in what we want to believe in.

So, today I honor those with a big heart and the courage to help bring about the freedom we all enjoy.