Unlike most American holidays, Memorial Day (formerly Decoration Day) is a day of remembrance. What began in 1868 as a day set aside to recognize the sacrifices of those who lost their lives in our Civil War has become almost obscure. This generation has not experienced World Wars, Korea or even Vietnam where our soldiers fought and died for a noble cause. Today we know Iraq, Afghanistan and other skirmishes as temporary deployments without clearly understanding or appreciating their significance. Coming at the end of the school year in most locales–it isn’t even a “day off” that would suggest its importance to school-age kids….and so, it ironically dies before our eyes. Anyone old enough to experience parents or other relatives who freely offered “the ultimate sacrifice” will understand why we “celebrate” a memorial day. But–as time moves on–fewer and eventually none of our population will remember. So–to offer comments from those who did know the pain of loss from war–we present relevant thoughts for your consideration.
- THIS NATION WILL REMAIN THE LAND OF THE FREE ONLY FOR SO LONG AS IT IS THE HOME OF THE BRAVE. (Elmer Davis)
- OUR FLAG DOES NOT FLY BECAUSE THE WIND MOVES IT. IT FLIES WITH THE LAST BREATH OF EACH SOLDIER WHO DIED PROTECTING IT. (Unknown)
- IT IS FOOLISH AND WRONG TO MOURN THE MEN WHO DIED. RATHER WE SHOULD THANK GOD SUCH MEN LIVED. (General George S. Patton)
- PATRIOTISM IS SUPPORTING YOUR COUNTRY ALL THE TIME, AND YOUR GOVERNMENT WHEN IT DESERVES IT. (Mark Twain)
- NEVER WAS SO MUCH OWED TO SO FEW. (Winston Churchill)
- COURAGE IS ALMOST A CONTRADICTION IN TERMS. IT MEANS A STRONG DESIRE TO LIVE TAKING THE FORM OF A READINESS TO DIE. (G.K. Chesterton)
- IF YOU WANT TO THANK A SOLDIER, BE THE KIND OF AMERICAN WORTH FIGHTING FOR. ((Unknown)
- IN THE END WE WILL NOT REMEMBER THE WORDS OF OUR ENEMIES BUT THE SILENCE OF OUR FRIENDS. (Martin Luther King Jr.)
This posting is placed last in today’s lineup in the hopes that you, the reader, will not be distracted by other thoughts and will spend a few moments reflecting on those who allow us to celebrate our freedoms. Honoring those revered dead says a lot about us. It says “thank you, we appreciate your sacrifice and we will continue what you preserved”.
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