To a large part of the American population, Memorial Day is just a paid day off from work that traditionally we fire up the backyard grill, and enjoy time with our family and friends.
Countless heroes have died while in the service of this great country, we should be honoring them everyday, but Memorial Day does provide a focus. At 1500, your local time (3pm), take a moment to remember the supreme sacrifice of our fallen heroes. During that moment, take the time to tell the stories of men like;
HM3 Wayne M. Caron, “…HM3 Caron was hit in the arm by enemy fire. Although knocked to the ground, he regained his feet and continued to the injured marines. He rendered medical assistance to the first marine he reached, who was grievously wounded, and undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the man’s life. HM3. Caron then ran toward the second wounded marine, but was again hit by enemy fire, this time in the leg. Nonetheless, he crawled the remaining distance and provided medical aid for this severely wounded man. HM3. Caron started to make his way to yet another injured comrade, when he was again struck by enemy small-arms fire. Courageously and with unbelievable determination, HM3. Caron continued his attempt to reach the third marine until he was killed by an enemy rocket round.”
and
Hospitalman Richard De Wert, “…HC Dewert rushed to the assistance of 1 of the more seriously wounded and, despite a painful leg wound sustained while dragging the stricken marine to safety, steadfastly refused medical treatment for himself and immediately dashed back through the fireswept area to carry a second wounded man out of the line of fire. Undaunted by the mounting hail of devastating enemy fire, he bravely moved forward a third time and received another serious wound in the shoulder after discovering that a wounded marine had already died. Still persistent in his refusal to submit to first aid, he resolutely answered the call of a fourth stricken comrade and, while rendering medical assistance, was himself mortally wounded by a burst of enemy fire…”
and
MA2(SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor, “…an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country…”
and the many other Medal of Honor Recipients and fallen heroes of our nation.
Then go back to your grill, friends and family, and truly enjoy your day. After all, it was for the freedoms we enjoy that they gave their all, and I don’t think they would want it any other way.
Let us not forget.
(excerpts taken from citations)
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Every American should observe a moment of silence on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice to their country. It’s not about burgers and hot dogs, or is it about the big “sale” at the mall. It’s about remembering that Freedom is not Free.
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I must agree that a lot of Americans have forgotten what Memorial Day is all about. It’s sort of like Christmas. Why cannot people be nice and giving for most of the year instead of just on Dec. 25th?
So many brave men and women have given their life for their country and in support of democracy in other countries. If you know a family who has a service member serving, remember to thank them for all that they do. If you know a retiree, thank them for all they have done. There are no unimportant jobs in the military, but there are a lot of people who you could say thank you too.