In loving memory of our fallen soldiers
Shelly Fowler
Issue date: 5/13/09 Section: Forum
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May. It was once called Decoration Day, honoring U.S. men and women who died while in the military. Memorial Day first honored only the Union soldiers of the American Civil War at first and was celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war. It was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.
Currently, the number of U.S. casualties from the war in Iraq confirmed by the Department of Defense is 4,007 as of Feb. 29. With an increasing number of U.S. solders dying in seemingly never ending wars, the deaths of love ones from 9-11 and pentagon terrorist attacks will make this May 25 one to remember.
Many believe Memorial Day should be only for U.S. soldiers when really it should be for any good individual or patriot. There are hundreds of people dying every week in the United States of America who are forgotten and their lives go by without any recognition.
That you could devote all of your life to helping others and die without being remembered, really saddens me.
I believe there are many soldiers among us, not just individuals wearing a uniform and serving in the military, but teachers who have displayed leadership abilities to their students, parents and other family members who have proven to be worthy role models, and friends who have touched our hearts for a short period in our lifetime, but made us appreciate life in a clearer view.
These individuals are forgotten by the world but the lessons they instill last a lifetime and live on through the stories we tell and in our memories.
To me Memorial Day is one day we can share with others the impact that our fallen soldiers had on our lives and how they helped us become stronger individuals. I would love to tell the stories of my grandfather, an atheist Vietnam soldier of World Wars I and II who taught me to never hate anyone, but instead try and understand why they act or think a certain way and love them for who they are in spite of my morals and beliefs. He taught me a lesson many Christians I think can learn.
Tell the stories of brothers and friends who was loved by many and died so young unexpectedly, but through death brought enemies together through friendship. These people are my heroes and they forever life in my heart and are seen through my actions.
This Memorial Day honor all who have been good to you, but have been taken at a time in which you think was too early. Try to remember that at least you were given the opportunity to be with great people.
This is for our fallen soldiers: we miss you and we love you.
Currently, the number of U.S. casualties from the war in Iraq confirmed by the Department of Defense is 4,007 as of Feb. 29. With an increasing number of U.S. solders dying in seemingly never ending wars, the deaths of love ones from 9-11 and pentagon terrorist attacks will make this May 25 one to remember.
Many believe Memorial Day should be only for U.S. soldiers when really it should be for any good individual or patriot. There are hundreds of people dying every week in the United States of America who are forgotten and their lives go by without any recognition.
That you could devote all of your life to helping others and die without being remembered, really saddens me.
I believe there are many soldiers among us, not just individuals wearing a uniform and serving in the military, but teachers who have displayed leadership abilities to their students, parents and other family members who have proven to be worthy role models, and friends who have touched our hearts for a short period in our lifetime, but made us appreciate life in a clearer view.
These individuals are forgotten by the world but the lessons they instill last a lifetime and live on through the stories we tell and in our memories.
To me Memorial Day is one day we can share with others the impact that our fallen soldiers had on our lives and how they helped us become stronger individuals. I would love to tell the stories of my grandfather, an atheist Vietnam soldier of World Wars I and II who taught me to never hate anyone, but instead try and understand why they act or think a certain way and love them for who they are in spite of my morals and beliefs. He taught me a lesson many Christians I think can learn.
Tell the stories of brothers and friends who was loved by many and died so young unexpectedly, but through death brought enemies together through friendship. These people are my heroes and they forever life in my heart and are seen through my actions.
This Memorial Day honor all who have been good to you, but have been taken at a time in which you think was too early. Try to remember that at least you were given the opportunity to be with great people.
This is for our fallen soldiers: we miss you and we love you.
Be the first to comment on this story