Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for May 28, 2007 DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

From hometownlife.com...

Memorial Day ... and some gave all

One hundred thirty-nine years ago, on May 30, 1868, General John Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, placed flowers on the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Then called Decorations Day, Memorial Day was officially recognized on May 5, 1868, as a day of remembrance for those who sacrificed and died in service to our nation.

This is a day of reconciliation and healing - not division. And not politics. On this day we honor those who gave their lives in service to this country - respectfully and without debate about the merits of their respective conflicts.

Today, tens of thousands of Americans will reach back into their family trees and into our nation's history to recall, with sadness and honor, the war dead. For many families with sons, daughters, grandchildren, nephews and nieces who have recently been killed or injured, the sadness and pain is very raw.

While many will flock to monuments and cemeteries, or march in parades or line the parade routes, many more will spend the three-day Memorial Day weekend at the beach, or attending a barbecue with family and friends. No matter how we spend the day, we all must remember that without the sacrifices of the men and women this day was created to honor, none of us would have the freedom to choose how we spend it.

Consider the words of our current and past three presidents:

"Although the burden of grief can become easier to bear, always there is the memory of another time, at the feeling of sadness over an unfinished life ... and all Americans who have known the loss and sadness of war, whether recently or long ago, can know this: The person they love and missed is honored and remembered by the U.S.A." George W. Bush, May 31, 2004, Arlington National Cemetery.

"We are descendants of a common creed — one nation under God. Partners with a common purpose: to keep our nation free and strong: a force for peace and progress: a place where people who work hard and take responsibility have a chance to make the most of their own lives, build good, strong families and live out their dreams in dignity and peace." William Jefferson Clinton, May 27, 1996, Arlington National Cemetery.

"On this sacred day, we honor those Americans who died fighting for freedom." George Herbert Walker Bush, radio address to the nation, May 25, 1992.

"Each died for a cause he considered more important than his own life. Well, they didn't volunteer to die: They volunteered to defend values for which men have always been willing to die if need be, the values which make up what we call civilization. And how they must have wished, in all the ugliness that war brings, that no other generation of young men to follow would have to undergo that same experience." Ronald Reagan, May 31, 1982.

In establishing this day, General John Logan said: "... gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with the choicest flowers of springtime ... let us in the solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those who they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude, the soldiers and sailor's widows and orphans."

Enjoy the holiday. But never, ever forget who made the day possible. Take a moment in this fast-paced world and give thanks for those who gave all so we can remain free.