Remembering on Memorial Day

Honoring the fallen

As you stand amidst the undulating sea of red, white and blue, you see a young mother with small children, kneeling at a gravesite, her hand atop a tombstone and head bowed. You see parents weep openly at the site where their child has been laid to rest, far too soon. You’ll see flowers and mementos, coins placed on grave markers by those who have visited, and flags. So many flags.

If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the sobs and feel the despair of those who have lost a mother or father, son or daughter, brother or sister. You can imagine the young boys and girls who, for many years to come, will feel that life is so unfair every time they watch as classmates are joined by their parents at school dances, scout meetings and more.

This is a solemn place, a reminder of the real purpose of this day of remembrance. Memorial Day. It’s not about the barbecues and beaches, boating and beers. It’s about the brave men and women who have lost their lives defending our country in the name of freedom.

That freedom is the reason we have the right to voice our displeasure with those who govern our country, our states and our cities. Those heroes have ensured our right to show up and protest when we disagree with the actions of our leaders. We owe all of these men and women and the families they left behind a debt greater than we can ever hope to repay.

Regardless of the many ongoing conflicts, the fighting and the civil unrest, this is still the United States of America, the greatest country in the world. Sadly, it seems that many forgotten the “United” part. And that’s such a disservice to the many whose lives are remembered in this and so many cemeteries throughout this country.

May God bless America and lead us back to the greatness of which we are capable. It’s time.