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Memorial Day

What is Memorial Day? Many of you reading this column refer to the day we remember so many who died for our freedom as “Decoration Day.” Doing a little quick research on its origin, you will find that dozens of cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. I would like to believe that every community that lost someone in a war had been honoring those lost for many years before the official proclamation of a day to honor the war dead was given by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868.

Unfortunately, like so many other significant holidays, the true meaning of the day has taken a backseat to our good time. Memorial Day has become more about a day off from work, an excuse to drink too much beer and eat too many burgers (as if that is possible) and the official beginning of summer. The first sunburn of the season, the first time to take the boat out on the lake this year and the first picnic take precedence over

honoring the boys and girls, men and women who fought and died for these freedoms we enjoy.

I’m sure that you have seen pictures of Arlington National Cemetery. Some of you have visited the hallowed grounds in person and watched in awe and respect as U.S. Army Sentinels, dedicated to the sacred duty of guarding The Tomb of the Unknowns, walk “in humble reverence” that the unknown soldiers “will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.”

As an American, it is an experience that can and should change your life.

My old friend Joe Hampton sent an email recently that featured pictures of several memorials dedicated to our fallen soldiers. These are pictures of American Cemeteries in countries where our men and women have fought not only for my freedom and yours, but for the freedom of citizens of France, Belgium, and England.

At the American Cemetery at Aisne-Marne, France, a total of 2,289 American soldiers are buried.

The American Cemetery at Ardennes, Belgium, is the final resting place for 5,329 of our dead.

In Florence, Italy, a total of 4,402 American soldiers are buried.

A total of 7,992 of our military dead are laid to rest in Henri-Chapelle, Belgium.

At the American Cemetery at Brittany, France, 4,410 American soldiers are buried.

In Brookwood, England’s American Cemetery, 468 are laid to rest.

In Lorraine, France, 10,489 of our military dead are buried.

There are many more American cemeteries throughout Europe. The sacrifices our boys and girls have made for their own country and for the sake of humankind is obvious in the sheer numbers of gravestones scattered throughout European nations.

And sacrifices are made every day. Although it rarely makes the lead story on the national television news anymore, our military is engaged in a two-front war today. All branches of the military are engaged and these brave men and women deserve our respect and support.

So, I implore you, this Memorial Day week-end, remember our fallen war heroes. If you do nothing else to honor those who fought for our freedom, please take a few minutes to pause and reflect upon the meaning – the purpose – of the day. And most importantly, be sure that those who represent the next generation of Americans have a clear understanding of why this day was proclaimed Memorial Day all those many years ago.