Will the real Memorial Day please stand up?

by Donna Teresa, Staff Writer

Traditionally, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, but in the early 1970s it was moved to the last Monday in May. That brings up some important questions:

Is our need for convenience and own selfishness making us forget the importance of special days such as Memorial Day?

Is it truly necessary, in our pursuit of that three-day "vacation" weekend to forget the real meaning of such noble observances such as Memorial Day?

As civilians, is it too much to ask to appreciate and remember those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our country from every war on its rightful day?

As wars have come and gone, the years pass, the memories fade.     Have we chosen to forget that noble population of men and women who have bravely stepped forward when our nation has called for service? War can be divisive and stir strong and bitter feelings. I’m no fan of war, but I have always been a fan of the men and women who have courageously defended this country because it is the job they have been asked to do.

They have bravely said yes so that other sons, daughters, mothers and fathers do not have to go in harm’s way. It’s a sacrifice I think of every day and I sincerely hope it’s a thought that others have as well. I have yet to meet a veteran who has told me they love war or enjoyed being in one.

I am still hopeful that in my lifetime, our government will choose to use words instead of guns to settle differences. With every "yes" vote in Congress to accept war as the best option, our representatives are asking for someone’s son or daughter to fight. It probably isn’t their offspring who are being asked to go.

Many of those who fight in these wars come home changed mentally and physically. Many are severely wounded and tragically, many lose their lives. If you have ever looked into the face of someone who lost a soldier you’ll see a pain you’ll never forget. I have seen it many times and it is a vision that haunts my heart.

As Memorial Day approaches, I hope Americans will take the time to reflect on this day and be encouraged to teach young Americans about those who have given their lives so that they could have the freedoms they have.

Take a moment and attend a Memorial Day event in your community. I promise you’ll forever be changed and humbled. You’ll be in the honored presence of families who mourn their loss every day with little regard to the years that pass. Their loved ones are forever frozen in time in their hearts and memories.

Memorial Day must be held in high esteem as a reminder that war is not kind; it cruelly takes our best and brightest from us. War does not discriminate in race, age, religion or personal political beliefs.

That is why the preservation of Memorial Day must be respected, in honor of America’s fallen. Is it so much to ask from this great country?

Many attempts have been made to restore Memorial Day back to its original date but with no success. Please see www.usmemorialday.org and join the thousands who have asked for Memorial Day to return to its traditional day of remembrance.

It’s just one day, but it’s a very important day and we must never ever forget it. Have Memorial Day in your heart every day and appreciate life to its fullest. Make a promise to America’s fallen. Remember them, appreciate them, honor them, and never forget them.

Donna Teresa can be reached at donnateresa@sbcglobal.net.Homefront Journal Donna Teresa wonders if we should go back to having Memorial Day on May 30.