Last year on Memorial Day, I posted an article providing some information on the history and significance of this holiday.  This year, I wanted to take an opportunity to recognize and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.  Though the statement, “Freedom is not free” is a bit of a cliché, it certainly contains much truth. 

This Memorial Day, I encourage you to take a moment to consider the sacrifices that have been made in the name of America’s freedom.  Since our nation’s inception, the men and women of our armed forces have been willing to lay down their lives so that we as individual citizens can continue to enjoy the many freedoms that are such a hallmark of American life.  Our nation is facing challenges that may seem unprecedented and overwhelming at times.  Despite the challenges, the freedoms enjoyed by every American citizen are steadfast and unwavering thanks to the valiant sacrifices of our nation’s military, past and present.

Take a moment today to pause and reflect on our freedoms.  And thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Monday, May 26, is Memorial Day. The holiday originates with a day of recognition to honor the dead from the Civil War (or War Between the States) and was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. By 1890, all northern states observed the holiday with the Southern states refusing to observe the holiday until after World War I when it was changed to honor the dead from all wars. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill which moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.

When I was in elementary school, we were asked to sell poppies made by disabled veterans. That poppy program still exists today. The poem that spawned the idea is a stirring reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers then and now.

In Flander’s Field

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,

In Flanders Fields.

Col. John McCrae