Remembering Memorial Day

Memorial Day was once a sacred day with solemn speeches, patriotic parades, and grateful citizens who decorated the graves of fallen heroes with flags and flowers. Over the years, it's special meaning has been obscured by the frivolity of picnics, fireworks, department store sales, and the celebration of summer’s bloom.

Originally called Decoration Day, the commemoration began in 1866 to honor soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War. Evolving over the next 100 years, the holiday (declared National by Congress in 1971) now honors those who died defending our country in all wars.

Flags fly on every grave at Arlington National Cemetery and a wreath is laid on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I've had the opportunity to visit both these places and mourn the loss of brave young men who have given their lives to benefit me.

I've also had the chance to visit Normandy in France and the memorial monuments and cemetary located there. After seeing just how impossibly dangerous it was to land on the beach at Normandy, I had an even greater appreciation for the men who gave their lives for us during World War II, and it was impossible not to be moved to tears when I walked among the graves of those young soldiers.

Today our soldiers are risking their lives on two fronts. They are fighting in terrible terrains, extreme weather conditions, and with enemies that come in multiple and unclear forms. They are young men and women seeing and doing things that young people should never have to see or do, and they are doing all this to protect us. They deserve our honor and gratitude.

For those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedoms, we must be especially vigilant. Their deaths will not be in vain so long as we remember the magnitude of their sacrifice and are truly grateful.