“It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.” — Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC
I have always personally observed Memorial Day. When I was a kid, we followed the parade down Main Street, went right up a hill, and eventually arrived at the cemetery. Those organizing it or playing a pivotal role were veterans not far removed from WWII, discharged less than fifteen years earlier.
Some people spoke, but at that age, less than ten, I knew the program. After the speeches and before Taps, there would be a twenty‑one gun salute. When the men firing broke away, it was the signal for little boys to move quickly, trying to grab at least one of the twenty‑one spent shells scattered about. That was then; not today.
Memorial Day was always observed on May 30 until Congress changed the date to a Monday to create a three‑day weekend. Decoration Day, as it was initially known, could fall on any day of the week, but that changed decades ago, in 1971, to give Americans a long weekend, not to remember those who died, but for cookouts and sales, it seems. The latter is fine, provided you remember the first.
Since the law changed, it has fallen on May 30 fewer than ten times. I mean, it is a day to celebrate in a sense, though what we are celebrating are those who stared at and accepted death so that others would not have to. Think of it in terms of a celebration of life, perhaps, which seems to have replaced the more somber funeral. I think it is important we remember this vital point, that others died so you may live to do the things we do on Memorial Day with family and friends.
One of the most moving pieces of music ever written is “Taps.” It is linked here with America the Beautiful, and I hope you will listen to it. Taps does not have words, but there are versions of it. My dad taught me them as a kid. It begins with, “Day is done, gone the sun…” While you listen, think about the 1.6 million men and women who died in times of war, and take a moment to say thank you for their sacrifice.
So, what can you do? Somewhere toward the beginning of this, I said to live life. The old saying “Many gave some, and some gave all” truly holds meaning. To not live in freedom is to dishonor those who gave all. Freedom carries a responsibility. Freedom is maintained by us, the people, through eternal vigilance.
Ronald Reagan once said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” That is not a political statement; it is a fact. Freedom means holding the government accountable to the Constitution. Returning to Chamberlain, “peace in our time,” and the sixty million killed as a result of his appeasement — freedom means being willing to stand and fight for what is right.
As an aside, I do not say Happy Memorial Day. It is a personal choice. It is a somber day of remembrance when we pause to express our gratitude. I fail to see how death can be a happy event. I listened to some Gold Star spouses actively say, “Be happy, that is what they fought for.” I cannot though. Perhaps, “Have a good Memorial Day remembering and honoring those who gave all.” Or maybe, “Have a meaningful Memorial Day.”
Link: Taps Across America Memorial Day Tribute – America the Beautiful and Taps
