Although we celebrate our military during the entire month of May, Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day, separated by just over a week, are traditional times for parades, open houses at military installations, receptions, and Air Shows.  Memorial Day is also, unfortunately, considered by many to be merely the holiday which marks the beginning of summer fun.  A recent poll by the World War II Memorial Foundation disclosed that up to 80% of Americans don't understand the history or the meaning of Memorial Day.

 

Memorial Day, which dates back to 1866, started as Decoration Day, a time to place flags and flowers at the graves of fallen soldiers. It was established as a Federal Holiday by Congress in 1971. Both Armed Forces and Memorial Day are appropriate times to recognize, venerate, and honor our Armed Forces and their families, as well as to commemorate those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation over the centuries.

 

As we honor and remember our military heroes and their families this week, let us reflect soberly upon their sacrifices, their courageous defense of our freedoms, and the growing stresses they face in the current conflicts, as we acknowledge and affirm that  "All gave some, and some gave all."  There is currently a bill before congress to establish the Honor and Remember Flag as a permanent visible symbol and public reminder of the sacrifices which keep us free.  More information about this important initiative may be found at www.honorandremember.org.