Each of these national holidays represent remembrance days and celebrations about our liberties and the millions who worked, fought and died to preserve these sacred rights. While each day deserves an element of rest and relaxation, I believe, for too many, the real reasons are overlooked or under emphasized.
Over the last 240 years in 69 military actions, over 1.2 million Americans have given their lives in the defense of our nation. In 1868 future President, and at the time General James A. Garfield said, "For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue." The men and women who gave their lives did not choose the day or circumstances of their ultimate sacrifice. They simply and selflessly followed their orders. In my opinion, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and July 4th should be a time to respectfully honor and remember those who served and died in the defense of liberty and secondly a time to relax and enjoy the weekend.
In 1971 the federal government made these dates national weekend holidays. I think this was a mistake. It added to a holiday atmosphere which should not be the total part of these important days. These special days should be about honoring and never forgetting our friends, family, and neighbors who served the nation or died in the military. Fireworks, clearance furniture sales, grilling and beaching are fine, but secondary to the real reason we observe Independence, Memorial and Veterans Day.
Over the last 240 years in 69 military actions, over 1.2 million Americans have given their lives in the defense of our nation. In 1868 future President, and at the time General James A. Garfield said, "For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue." The men and women who gave their lives did not choose the day or circumstances of their ultimate sacrifice. They simply and selflessly followed their orders. In my opinion, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and July 4th should be a time to respectfully honor and remember those who served and died in the defense of liberty and secondly a time to relax and enjoy the weekend.
In 1971 the federal government made these dates national weekend holidays. I think this was a mistake. It added to a holiday atmosphere which should not be the total part of these important days. These special days should be about honoring and never forgetting our friends, family, and neighbors who served the nation or died in the military. Fireworks, clearance furniture sales, grilling and beaching are fine, but secondary to the real reason we observe Independence, Memorial and Veterans Day.
As an example, in my family William Lee Joyner served honorably in Germany during WWII. He returned safely to Virginia with his war bride Rita and celebrated a new baby, Mary Anita (Winky). He surely looked forward to happy family days as his military retirement approached. However, the nation called him to another war. He probably shrugged, but never flinched from his oath of military duty. In Korea on September 2nd 1950, William Lee was killed in action. He was only 38 years old and an 18 year Army veteran.
Surely, Uncle Willy had dreams of good times back home with his young family. He died a young man and while I faintly remember him, others have told me he was a unique character full of mischief, energy, and humor. He was a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was lost doing his duty and should never be forgotten. July Fourth, Memorial and Veterans Day are the appropriate times to observe the sacrifices made by Uncle Willy and the other 1.2 million American heroes who died serving their country.
On these national days of celebration and remembrance, I suggest everyone properly observe and respect the days. Certainly, enjoy your time off and celebrate, but always remember the real reasons behind the federal holidays. Perhaps plan to display a US flag or set flowers, a flag, or simply salute the grave of a departed service member.
These national observances are nice breaks from our normal schedules, but they are also the correct time to reflect on the sacrifices many made for the freedoms and great nation we all share and enjoy.
THANK YOU FOREVER UNCLE WILLY
Surely, Uncle Willy had dreams of good times back home with his young family. He died a young man and while I faintly remember him, others have told me he was a unique character full of mischief, energy, and humor. He was a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was lost doing his duty and should never be forgotten. July Fourth, Memorial and Veterans Day are the appropriate times to observe the sacrifices made by Uncle Willy and the other 1.2 million American heroes who died serving their country.
On these national days of celebration and remembrance, I suggest everyone properly observe and respect the days. Certainly, enjoy your time off and celebrate, but always remember the real reasons behind the federal holidays. Perhaps plan to display a US flag or set flowers, a flag, or simply salute the grave of a departed service member.
These national observances are nice breaks from our normal schedules, but they are also the correct time to reflect on the sacrifices many made for the freedoms and great nation we all share and enjoy.
THANK YOU FOREVER UNCLE WILLY
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