It was not crucial in the minds of lawmakers and most citizens to have a three day weekend, but was more important to set aside that one day to honor the men and women who served and are serving our country today.
Whichever day you pause to recognize Memorial Day, whether today or this coming Friday, the act of pausing, reflecting, and honoring those who have passed and those heroes still with us is worthwhile.
This past week I met a man who learned to fly fighter planes as a Marine stationed here in Madison during World War II. He told me he is 89, but other than a few wrinkles he looked like he could climb in a cockpit today if called upon.
The generation of men and women who served in World War II is disappearing all too quickly, but it's never too late to acknowledge and give thanks for the bravery and uncommon valor demonstrated when their country and the world needed it most. The movie, Honor Flight tells the story of this generation and the effort to recognize this heroic silent generation quite well. I doubt you can get through it without needing at least a few tissues.
There are heroes in every era - and our thanks to men and women who have served and are serving in the most recent conflicts. A special thank you to my brother-in-law for his service and the unseen service provided by the spouses and families of these soldiers and airmen/women.
If you haven't planned a trip to your community observance today or are unable to attend, be sure to spend a few minutes thinking about their commitment, fly the flag, and be thankful.
It's beyond me to capture these sentiments very well, especially when it's already been done so well by our 16th President:
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. 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.
Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863
A happy and blessed Memorial Day to you all! May God continue to bless America!
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