May 25, 2008
Sunday

A few years after our Civil War, General Order 11 was given that designated the 30th of May as a day to remember those in both the North and South who had died in the Civil War.

This year we celebrate Memorial Day on the 26th of May. Most of us will only think of this day as a day for barbecues, rest and fun. But all of us should remember that this day is more than a day off from work. It is a day to remember the sacrifices that many have made so that the rest of us can enjoy freedom.

At this very moment in Iraq and Afghanistan men and women of our military are in harm's way because it's their duty. This is not new. In 1776 a few brave men believed so strongly in their convictions that they felt it was their duty to lay the groundwork for a new country -- a country based on the ideals of freedom and democracy. Since the founding of the United States, our men and women have gone off to war to protect these ideals. Today, those same ideals remain the cornerstones of our country.

Because of our military and our veterans, few of us, fortunately, have seen the horrors of war. These men and women stand as sentinels so that we can sleep in peace at night. Yet we only set aside one day to remember that our freedom is not without cost. But we remember. The sacrifices made at Gettysburg, the Argonne Forest, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Khe Sanh, Kuwait, Baghdad and the villages near Kabul will not be forgotten, ever.

Today, every American should take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices that have been made on their behalf. To our men and women of our military, to our veterans, and to the family members of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, I want to thank you for everything that you have done,

Received May 23, 2008 - Published May 25, 2008

Viewpoints - Opinion Letters:

Webmail Your Opinion Letter to the Editor

SitNews ©2008
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska