Commentary.

Here we are, chugging full steam ahead into the final week-end of May. Memorial Day week-end. Many people refer to the day when so many who died for our freedom are remembered as “Decoration Day.” Doing a little quick research on its origin, you will find that dozens of cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. I would like to believe that every community that lost someone in a war had been honoring those lost for many years before the official proclamation of a day to honor the war dead was given by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868.

There are many people who have little to no comprehension of the significance of Memorial Day. Although “Decoration Day” began as a day to remember so many who died for our freedom, for most of us today it is a time to visit the gravesites of all family members and friends – whether they served in the military or not – and to decorate them with flowers and flags.

Unfortunately, like so many other significant holidays, the true meaning of the day has taken a backseat to our good time. Memorial Day has become more about a day off from work, an excuse to drink too much beer and eat too many burgers (as if that is possible) and the official beginning of summer. The first sunburn of the season, the first time to take the boat out on the lake this year, the first picnic and the first wearing this season of your cut-off jeans take precedence over honoring the boys and girls, men and women who fought and died for these freedoms we enjoy.

I’m sure that you have seen pictures of Arlington National Cemetery. Some of you have visited the hallowed grounds in person and watched in awe and respect as U.S. Army Sentinels, dedicated to the sacred duty of guarding The Tomb of the Unknowns, walk “in humble reverence” that the unknown soldiers “will in honored glory rest under my eternal vigilance.”

Although it rarely makes the lead story on the national television news anymore, all branches of our military are engaged in war today. These brave men and women deserve our respect and support.

As I have in this column for the past several years, I ask that before you pitch your first horse shoe, pop your first top or settle in to watch the Indy 500 this Memorial Day Week-end, please remember our fallen war heroes. If you do nothing else to honor those who fought for our freedom, please take a few minutes to pause and reflect upon the meaning – the purpose – of the day. And most importantly, be sure that those who represent the next generation of Americans have a clear understanding of the true meaning of Memorial Day.