The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By Elaine Slater Reese
24 May 2006
Respect, Honor, and Tributes are three words, among many, which our society today often chooses to ignore. These words would require an action on our part. We don't have time öwe aren't interested. Who cares?
You may not know them. You may not live next door to them. But the parents of the twenty- year old soldier who were notified their son was killed in action in Iraq care. The widow with three young children who will never see their father again cares. The sister of the one whose helicopter was shot down cares. For these, the American flag is sacred. Their blood is invested in it.
I am sure the families of our fallen heroes do not like war any more than our vocal protestors. Some see only political motives. Others realize the depth and conviction of those who understand the cost of the freedom we have. War has touched lives throughout our history. How quickly we forget the sacrifices!
Memorial Day was established in memory of our honored dead who have served our country. Do you know your family history? Is there a family who at some generation has not given to the cause? I found some interesting ideas on the internet about how to observe Memorial Day. Observe Memorial Day? Of course, family parties, picnics, boating, ball games, opening cabins! Those are fun things we do on a three- day weekend.
When is the last time you honored our fallen heroes? Do you fly the flag and give thanks for their sacrifice so that you can do that? Do you attend the local Memorial Day observance? Have you ever visited those in a VA hospital? Have you ever just taken the time to tell a vet how much you appreciate what he has given for our country? When you hear TAPS played, do chills go up your spine as your think what it symbolizes?
This year take your family, young and old, and visit a cemetery. Especially walk through the older sections. You will be amazed as you read the inscriptions on the tombstones. At each soldier's grave, take a moment to give thanks. Give him your honor, your respect, and your tribute. You yourself will then really be vested in the Memorial Day Observance.