Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day. On this day, we remember the men and women who have given the last full measure of devotion to the cause of Liberty. On this day, we remember their sacrifice and pay homage that which they have died to defend. On this day, we might travel to a military cemetery and place flags or wreaths on the grave markers. On this day, we dust off our American flags that fly twice a year at best, and hoist them in remembrance. On this day, we cook hamburgers and spend time with family. On this day, we might dedicate a facebook status. On this day, we might spare a thought for those in service to our country.
Why on this day?
Why only this day?
Every day of the year our troops defend us. Every day of the year, we exercise sacred Liberty, consecrated by the blood of the fallen. Every day we live in America, we live in debt to those who have died to defend her. Every day, by the choices we make, we honour or desecrate the memory of those who have been slain in the cause of Liberty.
The cause of Liberty is not something to be championed on one day of the year. Liberty is not to be put in a box labeled 'For use on Memorial Day and the 4th of July'. On Memorial Day, we honour those who have made an outward profession to defend Liberty, but are not we, the citizens of this country, just as much bound by sacred honour and duty to defend the precepts of Liberty?" Eternal vigilence is the price of Liberty". The proper exercise of Liberty requires a complete and total commitment to its principles. No half-hearted commitment, no one time a year rememberence will do. Liberty requires a 100%, complete commitment.
On this Memorial Day, remember the fallen, and honour the living. Have a cookout, get together with friends. There is nothing wrong with such celebration. But don't stop there, don't stop after one day. Live, learn, and love Liberty. Not just this day, but every day, for the rest of your life.
If there is one message that your piece brings home it is that those who guard our liberty are on the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year 'round. I take heart in the idea that Americans actually DO remember their military all year 'round. As we take a special day to remember and honor our mothers and fathers or take a special day to give thanks for what we have, I truly do believe that good Americans will see a soldier alone having a meal and pay for him without his even knowing. I believe that when we see an airman at a bus stop waiting for his ride we will extend our hands and say a quiet "Thank you".
So, take heart. While we set aside one special day for those who have passed on and yet another for those who once served, you can have confidence that Americans still love and support our heroes the other 364 days available to us.
Thanks for reminding us to always do so!