Memorial Day has become lost in the shuffle as “just” another day off. An excuse to party with friends on the last Monday in May. I find it ironic that on the Day we should spend time honoring our fallen soldiers, so many don’t. They’re “too busy.” They forget. Far too many have forgotten the reason and meaning behind Memorial Day.
For me, Memorial Day is more than that. Much more. For it is on this day that We as a Nation take the time to honor our fallen soldiers. Both those known as well as those unknown. For me, Memorial Day is the Day I take the time to reflect on the sacrifices made by Our fallen soldiers and their families. Its a day spent quietly… Remembering. Honoring. Never Forgetting…
I believe it of great importance to honor the unknown soldier in the same manner as we do for those we do know. I believe it truly unfortunate that any soldier should be placed in a grave, identity unknown. Dead and buried without identity. How is the family to pay their respects and honor their fallen loved one if there’s no identity? I guess this leaves Us as a Nation to be family for the unknown. To honor. To pay our respects. In the place of the family. We as a Nation have become the family of the unknown. It is now Our duty to carry on in place of the unknowns family. We owe at least that much and more. For the unknown soldier gave his life that we might live free just as our family has. All fallen soldiers are our family. It truly make no difference if we knew them or not.
This practice is an age old tradition. The tradition of honoring the dead is as old as time. Its just human nature to remember loved ones gone. To honor their memory at certain times during the year.
Memorial Day traces its roots back to the Civil War. As far back as 1865. This day was called Decoration Day. Today, We find ourselves following those same basic traditions. Gathering to remember. To Honor. To decorate the graves of Our fallen soldiers.
Today, take a moment. Honor the fallen. Lay a wreath, a flower, a handprint on the graves of our dear loved ones. Take a few moments and do the same as you pass the tomb of the unknown. Its the least we can do.
I may not make it to the Memorial Service. However, I will honor the memory of those who have sacrificed and given all so that I might live free.
Remember. Honor. Thank God for giving us men and women whom were willing to pay the ultimate price. For us. For freedom. For The Country they loved enough to give their life in defense of.
Memorial Day…
—@QBall45
5/31/10
