Memorial Day – Buz Blog

“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” – Jeff Miller

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It started shortly after the Civil War and was called Decoration Day because that was when people went out to “decorate” the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The month of May was chosen for this day because it was a time that the Spring flowers were starting to bloom.

It evolved over the years into Memorial Day when we honor all of our miliary personnel who gave their lives in war so that we can live in freedom. Almost every family in our country has a history of ancestors, friends, and relatives who have fought in our wars. Many of us have friends or relatives who died while serving our country. There is no way any of us can repay a family for such a loss. We can, however, thank God that we have men and women who have made that sacrifice.

While we should never forget those who made that sacrifice, we need to also remember those we honor on Veterans Day. Those who have suffered the ravages of war often return with heavy burdens. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder afflicts many combat veterans. The percentage of veterans who commit suicide is much higher than the general population. Those veterans who commit suicide are as much victims of war as those killed in action. Those who returned from war are the ones who most feel the loss of those they left behind. Their Memorial Days are filled with bittersweet reminders of those who didn’t return with them.

Memorial Day should not be the happy day where we welcome in the summer. We need to reflect on those whose selfless sacrifice has enabled us and our families to enjoy the freedoms they helped preserve for us. I’m not saying that we shouldn’t get together with those we love. I’m not saying we shouldn’t picnic or barbeque and enjoy the weather, but before we eat, we should bow our heads and say a prayer of thanks and remembrance for those who gave their lives for our country, its principles, and its people.

If you have time today or tomorrow, drive to a Veterans’ cemetery, stop, walk around and see all of those who have served in our armed forces. Pay your respects to all of those heroes. If you know a friend or relative who died in service to our country and is buried nearby, place a small flag or flowers on the grave. It is the least we can do for those who gave their everything for us.