Cyndi's Two Cents

Remember the heroes

Not unlike school kids anxious to be released into the “wilds” of summertime, I find myself either fidgety or staring out the window on this last day in the office before a week away from all things Brownfield Ag News. It’s been a very wet and cool Spring in my neck of the woods so I’m hopeful for a reprieve as the final days of the month of May are upon us. Although the peas and onions, garlic and sweet corn have great color and are growing despite the lack of sunshine, the peppers and tomatoes and even my zinnias in the garden are sick and tired of standing in water every few days with a gray and gloomy sky overhead.

Bring on the sunshine! Memorial Day week-end is upon us and there is much to do before the picnics and parties.

It is sad to think that there are many people who have little to no comprehension of the significance of Memorial Day. Although “Decoration Day” began as a day to remember so many who died for our freedom, for most of us today it is a time to visit the gravesites of all family members and friends – whether they served in the military or not – and to decorate them with flowers and flags.

Sadly, like many other significant holidays, the true meaning of Memorial 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 hot wings and hamburgers. It is for many, the official beginning of summer. School is out. Memorial Day week-end means the first sunburn of the season, the first time to take the boat out on the lake this year and the first picnic. Recreation takes precedence over honoring the boys and girls, men and women who fought and died for these freedoms we enjoy.

At a time when this country that we love so much is engaged in a 2-front war, I hope you will take a moment to remember the terrible price of all wars and the ultimate sacrifice made by so many some one’s beloved spouse, child, sibling, parent or friend.

Before you pitch your first horse shoe, pop your first top or settle in to watch the Indy 500 this Memorial Day Week-end, please 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 the true meaning of Memorial Day.

“…gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime….let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude,–the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.” –General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868