And wherever we go and whatever we do, we should fulfill our Memorial Day duty as Americans to pause in some way at some point in honor and respect of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the fruits and freedoms with which we are blessed. Originally known as Decoration Day, the observance originated after the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
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Memorial Day is more than just a day off, an excellent occasion for a backyard barbeque or a chance to travel.
Moments like that serve as a sober reminder for Garcia of the gravity of the oath he took upon his enlistment to protect the nation’s interests. Remembering them is the least we can do. “We love doing this”. We also thank our veterans, and those now serving, for signing up for a tough and essential job, one few are willing to do.
A group of World War II veterans departed from Valley International Airport on Friday, en route to Washington, D.C., to be honored for their service and sacrifice. Donald Bridges, American Legion department commander for North Carolina, will speak at the ceremony.
The GAR said Decoration Day should be observed on May 30 each year because the timing would permit flowers to be in bloom all over the country. The Union lost nearly 365,000 troops and the Confederacy about 260,000.
From the Revolutionary War that began in 1775 until the Iraqi War and the ongoing Global War on Terrorism, Americans including men and women from the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys have fought and died to protect our freedoms.
A solemn feeling came over the room as everyone bowed their heads several times during the ceremony to remember those who died in war and others who are still serving in the military. We must use this day to honor their sacrifices, to pray for their families and to bow our heads in recognition of their service.
We were reminded, again, of the burdens our servicemembers bear and the risks they face, and of loved ones left behind, earlier this month when the Sioux City-based 960th Quartermaster Company, an Army Reserve unit, received a sendoff in a ceremony at the East High School gymnasium before leaving for Fort Hood, Texas, and eventual deployment later this year to Kuwait and Iraq.
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Those in Chippewa County will have a variety of opportunities to observe the holiday, whether that means attending a parade or a program.
