Memorial Day 2009

"Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic."

General Logan May 5th, 1868, General Order No.11

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"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

President Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19th 1863

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Traditions can be very difficult to maintain over time without a deliberate and purposeful effort on the part of families, communities or a nation to educate and bring awareness to the meaning and motivation behind them.  Our children do not see the world through the same lens that we do just as we do not see the world through the same lens of our parents much less that of a President in the midst of a civil war over 140 years ago or a woman whose fiance died recently overseas.  So if nothing else take a few minutes today on your way to the beach, the cookout, the family gathering or work and ask yourself a few questions about the meaning of Memorial Day and how you will choose to honor those who have fallen and those family members who have been left behind.

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