For many in the
United States, Memorial Day has become a day off work, barbecues and family gathers. This holiday is so much more, and I hope all
Americans will take at least a moment to remember and thank those who died so
we could enjoy these events.
I read this brief
history of Memorial Day at this site: http://www.memorialdayquotes.com/.
“Memorial Day is a
public holiday in the United States of America. It is observed on last Monday
of May, which is 27 May in 2013.
Memorial Day was
first enacted in memory of the soldiers who fought in the American Civil War
but later, Memorial Day was expanded to commemorate the soldiers who fought in
all American wars, including the World Wars.
Memorial Day is also
called Decoration Day. On Memorial Day people visit the graves and cemeteries
to honor the memory of the soldiers who laid their lives to protect their
country. The U.S. flag is usually flown at half-staff from dawn to noon. Flags
are also placed at the grave sites in national cemeteries. The National
Memorial Day Concert is held on the lawns of the United States Capitol. Music
is performed to honor the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their
lives for the country.”
I found this collection of quotes about the holiday
here: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_memorialday.html#zmTfYHgl5lyWzVOP.99
Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are
reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the
Armed Services make to defend our way of life. Robin Hayes
As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to
those who have given their lives in our nation's wars. John M. McHugh
137 years later, Memorial Day remains one of America's
most cherished patriotic observances. The spirit of this day has not changed -
it remains a day to honor those who died defending our freedom and democracy. Doc Hastings
While there are towns and cities still planning Memorial
Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades. Some think the day is for
honoring anyone who has died, not just those fallen in service to our country. Allen West
Nowadays, many Americans have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At cemeteries across the country, the graves of the fallen are sadly ignored, and worse, neglected. Allen West
On thy grave the rain shall fall
from the eyes of a mighty nation! — Thomas
William Parsons, Dirge for One Who Fell in Battle
We come, not to mourn our dead
soldiers, but to praise them. — Francis
Amasa Walker
For love of country they accepted
death. — James A.
Garfield
And they who for their country die
shall fill an honored grave, for glory lights the soldier’s tomb, and beauty
weeps the brave. — Joseph Rodman
Drake, To the Defenders of New Orleans
The patriot’s blood is the seed of
Freedom’s tree. — Thomas
Campbell, Stanzas
Thank you all
who fought and died so that we could live with the freedom we enjoy today.
