America was built on the bravery of our war dead
To a lot of people this Memorial Day weekend is just a time of backyard family BBQ's or sales in the mall...or a chance for a DIY project around the house. But, while we're doing all that, let's take time to remember that this holiday is supposed to commemorate US men and women who have died in military service to their country.
From the bloody battles of the Civil War to the battles in Europe and the Pacific, on the frozen hills of Korea, in the rice paddies and jungles of Vietnam, and the deserts and towns of Iraq and Afghanistan thousands of miles away, our citizens have always come to the defense of our country.
So take a few moments to reflect, and think about all of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Also remember the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead.
Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War. I read that the first memorial was observed in 1865 by liberated slaves at the historic race track in Charleston... the site of a former Confederate prison camp, as well as a mass grave for Union soldiers who had died while captive. A parade with thousands of freed blacks and Union soldiers was followed by patriotic singing and a picnic.
Anyway, after World War I, Decoration Day was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action in the service to our country.
On this holiday I also can't help thinking about the disabled veterans, and all of our military men and women overseas right now, who put their lives and limbs on the line day after day -- while we get to be with our family and friends, barbecue, and have fun.
Most of them will get to come home .... but some will not. And some will pay with their sanity instead of their lives.
Here is a young John Prine being interviewed by Bobby Bare, talking about and singing "Sam Stone"...a song that always breaks my heart.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=206XaNxQ5LQ
