Thanks For Your Service. Here's Twenty-Five Percent Off.

I'm going to keep it short today because like most Americans I'm kicking off my Memorial Day weekend a little early. I think it's only fitting that I use a time of remembrance as an excuse for sloth. Technically, Memorial Day is Monday (so no, I won't be here then), but remembering all the men and women who fought and died for this country is a daunting task, so an entire weekend is needed.

I guess that instead of just sitting around thinking about all the veterans, I could drag myself out to a store and take advantage of a huge "Memorial Day Sales Blowout". It's always struck me as a little odd that we use any holiday as an excuse for big savings. I know the thinking is that people have an extra day off, so maybe they'll want to blow some cash, but I don't get it. I gave up trying to find a tie in with the actual holidays, because there is none. Lost your dad at Iwo Jima? How 'bout pillows, buy one get one free? Your son lost a leg in 'Nam? No money down this weekend with approved credit on a Chevy. Great-Great grandpa took a cannon ball to the guts at Gettysburg? You can get this five piece living room group at rock bottom prices. If you can see the connection, let me know.

I'm not going to get all pro military hawk, or bleeding heart dove, but I want us all to take a minute, just one minute, out of this long weekend to think about all the people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I know that's a popular thing to say at this point in time, and a lot of people have no idea what it means. My dad was in the Korean war. Thankfully he came home, but he never spoke of the war again. I'm sure there are a lot of veterans who know someone who never came back and don't talk about it. We know there are thousands of families for whom that is the case. So just take a second and think of them. Then hurry to the mall for those clearance priced sheets.

Here's some shameless radio/appearance pluggery. Tonight I will be at Tailgater's Sports Bar and Grill, 431 W. Boughton in Bolingbrook, Il. as part of the WGN/ Old Style Guest Commentator Contest
Stop by after 9 pm to be part of the excitement or to say hi. Tomorrow night/ Sunday morning "WGN Overnight" will be chock full of fun from 1-5 am including "Pirate trivia" during the "Overnight Arcade". Then listen all week to WGN as I fill in for Steve and Johnnie, Monday through Friday mornings from 2-5 am. Man, I am everywhere. I hope you get a chance to listen. Have a happy and safe Memorial Day. Later...Brian