Since the first recognition of our fallen soldiers, by proclamation by General John Logan in 1868, the Nation first set aside May 30th as the day we would lay flags and flowers on the graves of our fallen, to commemorate those sacrifices. Today, we use the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. This May 31st is that day in which we remember all those who have given all in the name of freedom.
Today, we are still engaged in combat activities, in the name of freedom. While many may argue one side or the other, it is MY belief that the struggle of today, are for the freedom of those oppressed in the area of the Mid-East, specifically, Iraq and Afghanistan, and to also keep back any progress by our enemies to regain a renewed strength and weaponry to again launch an attack on our soil. With our daily engagements, they bring about the sacrifices, in the fullest, of those who fight. Sadly, we add to the numbers of those in cemeteries all across our lands.
During my day, in that Vietnam War time, most of who I fought beside were drafted. Many did not want to be there, and would not have been there, had it not been for the draft. But, they knew that we could not refuse our duties because we didn't agree, or understand that war effort. We served, because our country called on us to do so. We understood that our country, not just one man in office, approved our involvement, and we answered that call. (This is not the time to address those who ran from that call, but I have very strong views on those ....people.)
Today however, there is no draft. The news is daily on the dangers of being "over there". Yet, the ranks are full of those who signed on, voluntarily. These courageous men and women "volunteer" to join the fight, knowing that they could end up in one of our Nation's cemeteries. I am humbled by their willingness to serve in such a difficult war.
We will have our time to honor all those, before and present, who have fought and who fight today, on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11th. But, May 31st is our day to honor those who will never fight again, those who have given all, for the freedom we all too often take for granted.
I honor them, those who have given all for me and my country. By their blood, I am free. May we all remember the price they paid. Freedom IS NOT free, and those we honor, paid that heavy price for all of us.
I ask that all of you, fly OUR nation's flag, in honor of those who paid for that privilege to do so. God Bless Our Troops, and God Bless America.
Dan
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