Memorial Day

[Nelson Atwell]

Something to think about this weekend:

The Meaning of Memorial Day





By VFW Commander-in-Chief Gary Kurpius



Has this special day of remembrance been lost on the American people?



It’s a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war?



Judging from what Memorial Day has become—simply another day off from work—the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message.



Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime.



Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That’s why they are all collectively remembered on one special day.



This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations.



They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends.



We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible—giving one’s own life on behalf of others.



Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone.



Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples.



Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth.



As America’s older war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed.



Now, more than in recent years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public has no excuse not to remember.



This much is owed to the more than 3,600 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

[user 64117]

I can understand what this article is about. As an American isnt being able to have a day off without care due to our soldiers on a everyday basis.



I make sure my daughters recognize a vet everywhere we go. We always stop to say hello and thanks. When i first did this in the presence of my oldest daughter (she was 5)....i told her that this person helps us to do what we do every minute of our day without care and no one says thank you. She looked at me and was shocked. Ever since...we acknowledge every soldier we see.



This Memerial day and every day...thanks to ALL VETS



Be safe this weekend...we have all heard horror stories from past holidays

 

[Fred]

Very good article.

But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country.

I still have that, even if it is considered stupid or behind 'the times' by some.



THANK YOU TO ALL VETS!

 

[Craig Keller]

As said before an excellent article. Too many people just look at an extra day off without remembering why we have it. A very big THANK YOU VETS and a very special MAY YOU REST IN PEACE to all that have fallen. May GOD bless you all.



Craig

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Thanks Nelson.



We have "kind of" a Memorial day tradition in our family (I say "kind of" because we have done it several times since our kids were little).



On Memorial day we go to a local diner or restaurant near the parade route of our town's Memorial Day parade. We go there for breakfast and show up about an hour to an hour and a half before the parade. Invariably, there will be several old vets in full uniform eating breakfast.



I make sure that me and my kids go over, say hello, and thank them for their service.



One old guy talked to us so much as I was paying our bill on the way out, I asked the waitress to put his bill on ours. She wanted to ask him if it was okay...I just asked the waitress to please do it...that "I know his generation is modest and isn't looking for anything, and it's not much to give him considering all he has given us"...she did it.



I walked out the door, not looking for a "thank you" from him, or even wanting him to know. As I said, I owe him and his brothers everyday.



Oh, and we always watch the parade (or march in it...my boys are in scouting), and then attend the ceremonies.



TJR

 

[Roy Smith]

Thanks to all who serve,I only did 4 years in the U.S.A.F, and it was in peacetime('76-'80),but I am proud to say I served willingly when so many others would not!!!GOD bless America!!!