Remembering the meaning of Memorial Day

This weekend we will celebrate Memorial Day — a time set aside to remember the men and women who lost their lives serving in our nation’s Armed Forces.

As the author of USMemorialDay.org states, “Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored, neglected. Most people no longer remember the proper flag etiquette for the day. While there are towns and cities that still hold Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in decades.”

I, for one, am grateful for the sacrifices of those who risked and gave their lives on the field of battle to secure, preserve and protect the unparalleled freedom we have enjoyed as Americans.  They made the ultimate sacrifice in support of a cause larger than themselves:  this grand experiment we call the United States of America.

We are the beneficiaries of their legacy of freedom, and we are charged with protecting and continuing that legacy.

As I ponder the sacrifices of those who gave their lives protecting our freedom on the field of battle, I am reminded of President Ronald Reagan’s words:  “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

This Memorial Day weekend, let us make a conscious effort to reflect upon the sacrifices of our fallen men and women in uniform.  Let us never take their sacrifices — or our freedom — for granted.