Please take time out from your barbecues, parades, etc. to remember what is behind this holiday. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day when the graves of those who had fallen in battle would be decorated with flowers. When I was a child in school we used to buy artificial red poppy pins from the local VFW. We would wear our poppy pins proudly. I remember marching in the Memorial Day parade that would begin at the town War Memorial, a large statue depicting the flag raising on Iwo Jima. Our teachers and families made sure we understood the meaning of that day. Memorial Day is about coming together to honor those who gave their all serving their country.
Now we have the National Moment of Remembrance, at 3:00 PM local time, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that so many have made in order for us to enjoy the freedom we have today.
WAR Battle Deaths
Revolutionary 4,435
War of 1812 2,260
Mexican War 1,733
Civil War (Both sides) 191,963
Spanish American War 385
World War I 53,402
World War II 291,557
Korean Conflict 33,741
Viet Nam Conflict 47,424
Persian Gulf War 147
I have not included statistics for the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan as they are ongoing.
Please, at the very least, observe the National Moment of Remembrance to honor those men and women who gave their lives to purchase your freedom. Freedom isn't free.
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