My eight year old son asked me this morning, “Dad, why do we celebrate Memorial Day?” I am sure he has been around when I explained this to his older sisters, but only today was he ready to understand.
Most people associate Memorial Day weekend with the beginning of summer, barbecues, picnics or maybe racing. Those are certainly good thoughts, but Memorial Day is so much more.
It was first established in 1868 in order to honor the soldiers who had fallen during the Civil War. It was initially only recognized by first New York and then the remainder of the northern states, and wasn't followed by the south until after World War I.
Growing up as a kid in central Pennsylvania, Memorial Day meant we went to the cemetery. We were taught to pause on this day and honor the fallen soldiers who died while in military service. It seems that so few people actually do this any more. Instead, our culture and media seem to want to forget our armed forces because they are fighting an unpopular war. That is really sad, because it is the politicians who declare war while our young men and women put their lives at risk to serve our country. We as Americans should take time on this day to stop and remember what this day is all about and honor our fallen heroes.
"..... it is the politicians who declare war while our young men and women put their lives at risk to serve our country."
Well said Mr. Heintzelman! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Posted by: Dan | May 25, 2009 at 09:44 AM