Memorial Day
It has become another three day weekend. A time for picnics and partying. How many people understand what Memorial Day is about?
Bridger Cemetery, Bridger, Carbon County, Montana
Meaning of Memorial Day
By VFW Commander-in-Chief James R. Mueller - from the May 2006 issue of VFW magazine.
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 2,500 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq.
May 28th, 2006 at 1:24 pm
We must never forget thanks
May 28th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
Thanks for the important reminder.
May 29th, 2006 at 6:50 am
Karen - THANKS you did the job and hopefully folks will remember what this day is REALLY about!
Sorry to have missed you with the quick visit of my brother and his wife we did manage to make it to Veterans Park over the weekend and the rest was just relaxing and enjoying each others company….Next time
June 1st, 2006 at 7:44 pm
a very lovely post
June 1st, 2006 at 11:13 pm
Said with PRIDE ! We too often take for granted the luxuries of life we have here in the US that are only possible because of blood and tears shed from Our American Heroes ! Who sacrificied more than most of would be willing to, to grant strangers the abilities for their hopes and dreams to come true. I am proud to say that my husband served in Desert Storm and I am so proud of him. Thank to all the un-named HEROES ! God bless you and your family, but most of all your AMERICAN PRIDE will never be forgotten !