Memorial Day is a day set apart for remembrance and in honor of the men and women who lost their lives while serving in our Nation’s military.
This day was originally declared as Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 as a time to decorate fallen soldier’s graves after so many soldiers lost their lives in the Civil War. It later changed its name to Memorial Day.
This day was supposed to only honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War, but after World War I claimed even more of our American soldier's lives, it became a day to commemorate all fallen soldiers. In 1971, it was declared a National holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.
The Memorial Day holiday is far too often pushed aside and thought of as another day off work and school and that it is purposed for leisure. Many Americans tend to forget the real reason we set aside this day, and that is to honor our soldiers that have died fighting for our freedoms, our freedom of speech, our right to bear arms, freedom of religion, our right to vote, and ultimately, our right to live our lives the way we choose.
Every single freedom we have is the result of the sacrifices that so many brave men and women have made for us throughout the existence of our great country. The reporter doesn’t give us freedom of the press, the poet doesn’t give us freedom of speech, the lawyer doesn’t give us the right to a fair trial, the pastor doesn't give us the right to worship, the politician doesn't give us the right to vote -- it is the soldier who fights every day who ensures we do not lose these freedoms. The protection of these rights come from the fearless people that put their lives on hold and take a step of courage to defend their country.
This Memorial Day we need to remember these men and women who made the highest sacrifice in order for us to continue to enjoy and live our lives as we are able to in the United States. They are the ones who answered the call and put country above self. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag and whose casket is draped with the flag that gives Americans the right to be Americans.
Thank you to the soldiers who are fighting for us today in many places around the world. Thank you to the families who let them fight for us, and thank you to the soldiers who paid the ultimate price upon our Nation’s “Altar of Freedom”. \
And always remember: freedom isn't free.
