May

22

Memorial Day, Lest We Forget

Filed Under American Patriotism 

100_3350For many Americans, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer or the end of the school year. Too many citizens never stop to remember the thousands of lives that have been sacrificed in order that we might be free to celebrate this day.

July Fourth recognizes this nation’s independence; Nov. 11 honors our veterans. May 30 is reserved for us to pay respect to those fellow Americans who have given their lives in the conflicts that gave us liberty and kept America free.

The very real reason for all Americans to pause and pay tribute to the men and women who have died in the service of our country is to remind ourselves that freedom isn’t free. Sometimes, it takes more than paying your taxes and singing the national anthem at football games to guarantee the opportunity to be critics of government and elected leaders.

As a nation, we are more often distracted by the commercialism of this special rememberance. A few years ago we started talking about the “greatest generation” and the spirit it showed in helping win World War II. Between Dec.1, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946, more than 16.1 million people served in the uniform of the United States. More than 210,000 were women. More than a half-million Americans gave their lives; honor them.

It was less than eight years ago that more than 3,000 Americans were killed by a handful of terrorists whose only reason was that we are free and they hate us for it. Patriotism flourished in the aftermath of the cowardly acts of Sept. 11, 2001. The spirit of sacrifice and the realization that it was indeed a war declared on us that day – one that will not end with a parade down 5th Avenue with bands playing and flags waving – appears to have faded in the minds of too many.

It has been my privilege to stand with a small group in Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day of our Bicentennial Year as President Gerald Ford laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

When the president stepped back and saluted, there were tears in his eyes. As the last notes of “Taps” echoed across those hallowed grounds, there wasn’t a dry eye within a mile.

Young Americans have died this week, probably even today, so that we can be free.

Memorial Day: a time to remember and honor all those who have died for our country so that we may live.

Comments

One Response to “Memorial Day, Lest We Forget”

  1. John DiCiacco on May 22nd, 2009 12:05 pm

    I will always remember the pain endured by the women and family members of post war veterans. This day is also for them and so it is that I say thanks to Bonnie and Brian for all the joy and love they put into my life during some painful and confusing times and to my wonderful sisters that never gave up on me.

    Thanks