Memorial Day

Frank Borelli
Editor-in-Chief
Officer.com

According to online resources, Memorial Day was first celebrated as Decoration Day to honor the Union dead after the end of the Civil War. The name "Memorial Day" wasn't used until 1882; became more common after World War II but wasn't made a federal holiday until 1967. For some, Memorial Day means nothing more than a chance to have a three day weekend, cook out, open their pool, etc. For others, the meaning hasn't been lost and - although the celebrations still occur - the reason for them is always at the forefront of their minds. What reason? To remember and honor those service men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Later in the year we'll celebrate Veteran's Day - honoring all those who have served. It should be no surprise to anyone that veterans are usually the ones who pay some tribute to their fallen comrades. As a man who is a veteran, with four older brothers who are veterans, a father and grandfather who were veterans and two children who now serve, it's safe to say I hold Memorial Day as an important holiday. I am thankful that none of those I've listed are among the fallen we remember... and I remind others to think about what the purpose of the holiday is. After all, it ISN'T about hotdogs and pools. I invite you to think even further about the meaning of the day from a different angle: what would we be celebrating without the sacrifice those warriors made? What type of America would we have without the soldiers who fought and died for America - whether it was as a Union soldier, a Confederate soldier, or as an AMERICAN soldier in all the wars since the Civil War? I think it might be a far different place. But it's easy to "remember and honor" the soldiers who made that sacrifice long ago. After all, how many of you reading this know of a relative who died in the Civil War and remember that person specifically on Memorial Day? Let me tell you, it's far easier... far too easy in fact... for many families around our great nation to remember and honor a loved one who made that sacrifice in the last two decades. Between both Gulf Wars and the global war on terror we've lost our fair share. In supporting United Nations humanitarian missions, we've lost more. So, on this Memorial Day - even though you may not have done it over the weekend - if you know of a family who has lost a loved one who served - make a point of thanking them for THEIR sacrifice. Thank them for the service of their family member and let them know that you'll never forget. After all, never forgetting is what the holiday is really all about. We have it each year to remind us that men and women have willingly sacrificed their lives to protect and defend our country. NEVER FORGET. Never forget those who have served. Never forget those who have served and sacrificed. Never forget those who sacrificed themselves to save others. Never forget the surviving families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. NEVER FORGET. I'd love to hear what YOU did to celebrate this holiday weekend. How did you honor the fallen? What did you do to remember them? Do you have any idea you'd like to share we might use for next year's celebration? Thank you for taking the time to read this. Say a prayer for our fallen in whatever fashion your faith guides you. I look forward to your comments.