Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

It is another glorious day in America.  A day we as a nation can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  But most importantly, today is a day we must honor and remember those who have given their lives in order for us to live ours…Memorial Day.

Unfortunately, many in America have forgotten the true meaning of this day.  Yes, a three day weekend; sales and special discounts by retailers; the beginning of summer; it is now fashionably correct to wear white.  But that is not the purpose of this day.

The united States of America, that is how we began.  A people seeking liberty; a people seeking to create a nation of freedom and opportunity. But this dream has a price.  What we seek requires more than determination.  It requires sacrifice.  In some cases that sacrifice is giving of our lives for the greater good.  And for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, then we today, Memorial Day, give honor to their lives.

Although many today would have us believe that Memorial Day is all inclusive, meaning that we should honor anyone who has contributed to the shaping of our country, it is not so.  This day is meant for remembering and honoring the many men and women who have dedicated and given their lives in military action in defense of our freedom.  Those are the ones who have earned the right to have a special day set aside for them.

How do we honor these great Americans?  Here are some thoughts:

1.  Visit cemeteries and memorials and place flags or flowers for these great men and women.
2.  Fly the U.S. Flag and the POW/MIA Flag
3.  Keep these great men and women in your prayers.

Let us not allow this day to be trivialized by those who do not understand what service and honor truly mean.  Let us stand up and push forward the ideals for which these great men and women gave their lives.

I proudly salute our fallen heroes and will endeavor to keep the dream alive…one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.