Memorial Day, 2009

In May of 1868 General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared the observance of an official Memorial Day. It wasn't until 1873 that the first state officially recognized the holiday, but by 1890 all of the northern states were observing the day designed to remember those who had died in our nation's service. The southern states refused. They chose a different day. But after after World War I, almost every state recognized May 30th as the day to honor those who died to keep us free. I served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force, with an honorable discharge. I was proud to be a part of the Armed Forces, doing my part for my country. But Memorial Day is not for me. (That would be Veterans Day.) Today is a day we recall people who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Memorial Day used to be honored with various events. They used to sell artificial poppies, the red serving as reminder that the "blood of heroes never dies". The proceeds would go to war-orphaned children and widowed women. There used to be parades and flags and a general sense of sort of solemn celebration. People would visit cemeteries and place flags on the graves of soldiers. We were grateful for those who died on our behalf. Perhaps it was the change to the last Monday in May, making it easier to think of "holiday" rather than gratitude. Maybe it's just that we are humans, people of short memory. But Memorial Day isn't so much anymore. Google, for instance, likes to put up special pages for various holidays, but refuses to recognize Memorial Day. Protesters of today's so-called wars are miffed that there are wars and forget that freedom didn't come to us without a cost. For the most part, people would just like to celebrate the unofficial beginning of summer rather than think about the cost of freedom.

I would ask you, today, to remember. Remind yourself that the freedom you enjoy cost many people their lives. Bring back to mind the fact that we live in the country we enjoy because people thought it was worth dying for. Maybe you can thank a veteran today. More appropriate, if you know families whose members have given that ultimate sacrifice, let them know you're thankful. Do some kindness for them. Gratitude is often in short supply. Use today as a reminder to be grateful.