May 23 2008
Memorial Day – A Day of Remembrance; A lifetime of Action
Memorial Day is one day set aside for us to remember those who have died in our nation’s service. It is meant to be a day of reverence. In honor to those who died for us, businessmen used to close their doors for the day, citizens would clean the graves of the fallen and place little flags on their headstones. Then, people would line the streets so they could watch the parades that honored those who gave their lives for us.
Most of the traditions and celebrations of Memorial Day have been forgotten or ignored. We spend our weekends with family and friends, laughing and having drinks while the burgers cook on the grill. This is okay. Our warriors gave their lives in order for us to be able to do just this. However, many have forgotten the purpose and the price paid by these great men and woman, so they could do this. Therefore, in December 2000 a resolution was passed that asks all Americans, at 3:00 p.m. local time “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps.”
This year I will ask you to go one step farther. Our nation is at war, and agree or disagree with it, I ask that on this sacred day, you remember and help our living, yet wounded soldiers; I ask you to donate your time and/or money to the “Wounded Warrior Project,” a non-profit organization dedicated to helping our servicemen and women wounded in combat.
Please, take the time to get to know some of our wounded warriors. Visit their site and please, donate today.
If you know of a solider in need, do not hesitate to tell him or her about Wounded Warrior Project. There, they will understand and can help.
