Memorial Day weekend is a time of reflection. Most Americans use it as a kickoff to the summer as well. For me, as a military spouse, it’s a time to be grateful that my spouse has returned home time and time again. This year, I had the chance to use it as a celebratory time. I went to two events that focus on our military.

First, I went to the G.I. Film Festival. This is an event that starts in D.C. but also goes to San Diego. They just announced that they are partnering with PBS and with that, the festival’s reach is expanding too. Keep an eye out for that. This festival is an all-military film fest and it’s trying to bridge the civilian/military divide by using true stories to tell our tales. I got the VIP treatment because I was able to utilize my press credentials! Woot for me!

The film we previewed was called “Going to War”. Talk about a tear-jerker. The film follows multiple people as they progress from boot camp to reintegration. It’s easy to think of war in terms of Hollywood but it’s harder when you know that the face in front of you has actually experienced it and they are sharing their story. You need to watch it if you can. It’ll be streaming online. But make sure you go to an event near you and interact with the people at the festival.

Then on Saturday, I was able to attend the dress rehearsal for the PBS Memorial Day concert. PBS seems to be popular this weekend! I really felt like a celebrity that day because I was able to hob-nob with stars from film and music.

I met up with “EE-an Miller” from “My Big, Fat Greek Wedding” and D.K from “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”. Seriously, it was John Corbett and Brian Tee. They were narrating a story about two friends from the Korean War. Graham Greene, from “Dances With Wolves” was a jokester. He flashed the “ta-tonka”sign for me.

Allison Janney and Mary McCormack honored female vets.  But because the rehearsal was running so far behind, we didn’t get a chance to have one-on-one time with them. I did let Allison know that I loved her as C.J.Gregg on “West Wing”. She played such an empowering woman. It actually made me interested in what happened in real life at the White House! Also, I was able to hear Spensha Baker as well as Leona Lewis sing. Those ladies have pipes!

I know I’m going to be a little controversial, but when Gary Sinise announced that he wanted us to stand while his band played Proud to be an American, I’m not sure why I have to stand. I stand for the National Anthem but just because a song has the word “America” in it doesn’t necessarily mandate standing up. That was the only issue I had with the whole day. Otherwise, it was fabulous.

Well, maybe not the ONLY issue-it did downpour. But then I got to play in the rain. Can’t complain about that!