For those who died that the nation might live

What quote am I vibing? "On this day, the 30th of May, we call to mind the deaths of those who died that the nation might live, who wagered all that life holds dear for the great prize of death in battle, who poured out their blood like water in order that the mighty national structure raised by the far-seeing genius of Washington, Franklin, Marshall, Hamilton, and the other great leaders of the Revolution, great framers of the Constitution, should not crumble into meaningless ruins." Theodore Roosevelt

Pounds of Trash Removed from the Wild These Past Two Weeks / All Time: 50 / 259

On this Memorial Day holiday, I am reflecting on a week of cleanups and happy times - thoughtful about all the sacrifice and love that has occurred over the short life of our country to give us the freedom to follow our paths.

Theodore Roosevelt was a man dedicated to military service, and, though he was very willing to lay down his life in battle, the death of his youngest son Quentin in France during World War I likely led to TR's death by heartbreak, many say. The pain of losing someone to conflict is inconceivable to me - thank you to those that have made this ultimate sacrifice, and my heart to those who have suffered the loss.

I took 3 days off from trash pick up this week, but over the last 8 days, I still managed to pick up 50 pounds of trash!

Nichol helped me yesterday evening after we relaxed on the beach a bit. She was relentless with the trash, and laser-focused. The beach was a mess from the holiday traffic, and with her diligence, we picked up 13 pounds of trash and recyclables - a tie for my beach record!

This morning, I had a first - a deputy from Martin County Sheriff's Office stopped by as I was cleaning up on Citrus Boulevard near 95. He just wanted to check in to make sure all was well and thank me for what I was doing. A great interaction to start my holiday morning!

While men and women have sacrificed their lives, and continue to do so to keep us free, safe, and able to pursue our happiness - the least we can do is try to keep our waterways, forests and streets clean, and respect this beautiful, nature-rich country with which we have been blessed.

May 26, evening. Bathtub Reef Beach. 13 pounds, 25 bottlecaps.

Beach trash sorted and ready to be disposed of properly.

The holiday weekend garbage can situation is not ideal.

May 19. Bathtub Reef Beach. 10 pounds, 45 bottlecaps.

Pelicans in flight at Bathtub Reef Beach.

May 20. Bathtub Reef Beach. 7 pounds, 35 bottlecaps.

Love our bird friends.

May 21. Santa Lucea Beach. 5 pounds, 20 bottlecaps.

Though I tried, I could not get this bottle out of the sand where it was butted against rocks, and waves kept coming in to undo the digging work I did.

May 25. Group cleanup with Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management at Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area. I love this group!

Cleaning up the parking lot at Hypoluxo.

May 26, morning. Kanner Highway. 4 pounds, 4 bottlecaps.

May 27. Citrus Boulevard near 95 overpass. 11 pounds, 10 bottlecaps.