A Holiday To Pay Our Respects

One of our nation's most misunderstood holidays will be held on Monday. Originally known as Decoration Day and spontaneously established after the American Civil War to honor Confederate soldiers, the practice of decorating the graves of those 600,000 casualties eventually extended to all who had fought and died in the Civil War, as graves were decorated in honor of their ultimate sacrifice. It was only in 1967 that the holiday was officially named Memorial Day by Federal law.

Unfortunately, all too many see this as the holiday which welcomes in the summer season, rather than a time of reflection and respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation and the liberties which we sometimes take for granted, leaving so many chairs vacant at our tables at home.

The American military men and women are the best trained, equipped, and educated in our history. Their pride in service to this nation and the ideals of freedom, which shine as a beacon of hope throughout the world, can be seen in their eyes when they speak to you about that service. They are prepared to sacrifice to provide us with the blanket of freedom and liberty that keeps us safe here in the homeland. 

On Monday, a small but faithful crowd will gather at the Veterans Memorial on Marco to say a few words and take a moment to thank the many who have served and given their all for this nation. I find it unfortunate that more parents don’t take the time to bring their children to join with the faithful to begin understanding what this day is all about.

It is neither the start to summer, a three-day weekend, a day to take advantage of special deals to purchase a new car, or a day to sleep in. It is a day to remember those who provided us with the quality of life we enjoy together here in paradise. There are plenty of days to pack the picnic lunch or head out on the boat, for we have abundant sunshine and great weather here in the paradise where we live.

What is not in great supply is the time to teach the next generation about what level of sacrifice is necessary to maintain those freedoms we take for granted. What sacrifice is required when we lack the vigilance and vision to understand the complexities of the world we live in today, and to be cautious and studied as the guardian of the torch, which represents freedom and serves as a beacon of light in the darkness for so many throughout the world.

On Monday, May 26, let us come together as Americans and say thank you. Bring a chair and an umbrella to Veterans Community Park to pay your respects to those who gave so much to ensure that you and I can enjoy so much.