Memorial Day Tribute

Today is the national day of tribute to those military members who gave their lives in the service of the United States of America. The day of remembrance, now celebrated the fourth Monday in May, was begun a few years after the end of the American Civil War and was initially identified strongly with the cause of the Union. Because of this, former Confederate states for many years had their own Memorial Day coincident with the birthday of Jefferson Davis. (For more history of Memorial Day, click here.)

Now a national holiday, its origins and meaning are largely overlooked. The day is most often associated with barbeques, picnics, and the unofficial start of summer. The day's sacrificial meaning, however, is still observed with solemnity at Arlington National Cemetery and military burial grounds around the country with the placing of American flags at graves of the fallen.



Whatever your views on war in general, remember that many have given their lives in wars that were considered just and necessary. Take a moment today to honor those who gave their lives in the quest to protect American values. I, for one, remember and honor Steven Louis Hellwig, USMC, who tragically died at Khe Sahn at far too young an age.

And may all of our military members, those living and dead, know peace.