Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, commemorates those who perished while in military service to this great nation. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action.
While many of us will enjoy the day off, let us not forget why we have this day of leisure. Since America won its freedom during the Revolutionary War until the present day, nearly 658,000 have given their lives for this country.
Regardless if you agree or disagree with the politics of war, those service members did their duty. In doing so they ensured the birth of a nation, rid the globe of tyranny and oppression and continue to maintain America as the shining light for all nations to look upon.
From Yorktown to the Belleau Wood, from the beaches of Normandy and the Ardennes to Guadalcanal Canal and Iwo Jima, from the Yalu River to Khe Sanh to the desert of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan, the U.S. Armed Forces have fought and died protecting our freedom.
Freedom isn’t free. The brave that gave their lives did so because they believed in something that mattered. Today we enjoy a way of life in this nation unmatched around the globe. I know; I’ve seen the rest of the globe.
Today as we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, let not their sacrifice be in vain. We honor them not only for their sacrifice, but by remaining the defender and protector of freedom for all oppressed people around the globe.
I’d like to thank all of my fellow veterans for their service and for those of you that lost family or friends, please accept my deepest condolences and my heartfelt thanks. I assure you their sacrifice was not vain and they will always be remembered for what they have done for this great nation.
Well said, my friend. Very well said…
So much perspective in this post, MoonDog.
Well done.
Moon Dog
At this moment in time I for one can’t tell you what the hell is going on. It’S being ran as if it were a Ma n’ Pa corner shop. There’s no one there with an ounce of intelligence whaysoever. So much of the time I just contribute pieces and just leave it at that !
I’d posted my own piece on Memorial Day over there. And at the same time I’ve also got a piece up over at the Fox site. I know that you’ve got a great deal of resentment there. But if you’d like to view it I can e-mail it to you ?
This has been the one time of the year where I do feel that the nation is indeed unified. But for the 364 days I for one am not so sure about that.
tophatal ……….
Top – I don’t know why they did that. Maybe it’s a mistake. Who is running the site over there? If I remain being banned for no reason, I meant what I said. Perhaps you can post a comment on a few blogs over there and let them know.
Anytime you want to post a blog here, feel free. I’ll link back to you at either Fox or RSB – if they remove the ban on my IP.
This is a little late so I am sorry I missed this post and I know we chatted over at TNB but thanks again for your service and for this wonderful perspective.