Remembrances: From Revolution to Iraq
This Monday, Memorial Day, we humbly honor the sacrifices of our military men and women -- and their loved ones -- spanning 234 years. Though a young nation, we have selflessly given much to remain free, and to restore the freedom of those oppressed.
This is America. This is who we are. This is what liberty-loving Americans do.
The next time you hear a tin-pot tyrant, theocratic despot, sociofascist, anarchist, or any other freedom-hating thug denigrating the United States, refer them to the photo above.
I have reverently walked the grounds of the Cambridge American Cemetery in England, as well as a few cherished memorials to America's commitment to freedom in other nations. Linger awhile in quiet reflection amongst any of their uniform, whitewashed -- seemingly endless -- rows of markers; You will learn all you need to know about America, the American Experience, and the true nature of its people.
Why we honor them
When Memorial Day began following the Civil War, it was known as Decoration Day, named for the day's main activity: Leaving flowers at cemeteries. The Twentieth Century saw Memorial Day expanded to honor America's military dead from all conflicts, past and present.
Since 1775, nearly 1,400,000 Americans have fought and died in defense of our young country and on behalf of other people and other nations in peril.
Current conflicts aside, the battles and strife of the past have since been relegated to the pages of history. But our free nation was not founded upon books, bindings, paper, and glue, nor has it thrived thanks to some publisher or historical anecdotes.
America was a dream founded upon the ideals and God-given rights of personal liberty and self-determination. For 234 years, this dream-come-reality has been defended by the sweat, toil, and blood of men and women who believed in our Founding principles of freedom -- ideals for which they were willing to uphold with their lives.
As General Donald Hoffman poignantly observed:
"Our history is full of stories of ordinary people who displayed extraordinary heroism. No doubt our future holds more amazing stories of heartache and heroism. Some of those stories are playing out now in current conflicts around the world. These are stories that bind us together, as one, under the Stars and Stripes of the United States of America. They're the stories of real people whose loved ones suffered and mourned. Let us never forget to honor them all."
Indeed. A nation of FREE ordinary people.
Humble Remembrances
This Monday, on Memorial Day:
Remember that we Americans and a good part of the civilized world owe these fallen patriots far more than can be repaid. Everything we are and everything we shall become is intertwined directly with the sacrifices they made for our liberty.
Remember to buy a buttonhole poppy from a Veterans of Foreign Wars member. Wear it as a revered emblem of honor.
Remember to stop wherever you are and whatever you're doing at 1500 hours (3 p.m.) for the National Moment of Remembrance.
On Memorial Day, enjoy your kith and kin, but remember that your long weekend, backyard barbecue, or day at the beach are trivial when compared to why we honor the sacrifices made and the lives lost in the name of freedom.
And to all my fellow veterans: Remember our absent brothers and sisters.
Hype and Chains for 158 more days.