LEST WE FORGET 1999
The meaning of Memorial Day has changed in recent years. It was first
started in memory of soldiers who fought and died for the union of free
people on the bloody battlefields of the Civil War. After World War I we
began to think of Memorial Day as a day for remembering all those who had
given their lives for America. Today,
Memorial Day is set aside in memory
of all loved ones. Flowers cover the cemeteries as expressions of love
and gratefulness . Memories of those loved ones are rich
with meaning.
I want to return to the recognition and paying of tribute to those
soldiers whom have given so much that we may enjoy our freedom, salute
our flag and walk proudly because of their collective and individual
sacrifices. We owe so very much to those soldiers of "yesteryear" and
of this current generations.
Freedom has never been free. It has always cost us money and blood.
When we are no longer willing to pay those prices, the real loss is human
dignity and freedom--often God given freedoms and rights. America has
always stood with and in support of her "Vets" . It seems that is only
recently that there have been so many hassles over what is due our
veterans and legal definitions of their oath and support. When the
veteran has served America they have, for the most part, given their all
without reservation. They have answered the call to allegiance and gone
where their country has asked knowing that their leaders, would and did,
do the same. I am sure young men and women had other plans for their
lives but the call of their country came first. Shirking may have
crossed their minds but freedom - not fortune- won. Real courage is not
the absence of fear; rather, it is doing what is right in spite of that
fear. Perhaps that was why slogans such as "Follow Me" and "Semper Fi"
fits so many vets and their families. They also felt and knew from the
example of the previous generation that they and their families would be
cared for by America should that need arise. For many their lives and
dreams were cut short. They never saw their namesake children-family names ended, pictures, memories, medals, ribbons and a uniform or two are
all that are left as reminders of a life so dedicated and dear. That was
what made the ultimate giving possible even though difficult. To come
and die is no easy decision. Veterans, though have done just that .
That is why it takes much more than money to keep and grow a soldier.
The length of this note is growing so I will close with one more
paragraph and continue later. In loving memory of those who have given
their lives, I feel tearful, grateful, indebted and patriotic to those
soldiers, sailors and airmen and women who served faithfully and gave
their lives for our great country--America --"the land of the free and
the home of the brave". I am so proud to have served alongside so many
whose lives were shortened . Their memories are very special. I
remember my first real taps played at the grave side of one of my combat
team members. To have written the letter , " I am proud to have served with_________"and " On behalf of _____please accept my deepest sympathy
and prayers during this very special time...."
My prayer today is that we will cherish the memories of those vets who
have impacted our lives. I have a bumper sticker which says "Freedom
has a special ring to it that those who never have served will never
know". The older I get the more I believe that. I salute you veterans
of America. To those family members who have given your spouse, dad,
brother, sister or other family member-- may God be ever so close to you
and may you always remember that your loved one never lost their life in vain. Freedom still reigns. We need you of moral character, love of country, and honest report.615-453-3877 - Office
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