This article was written by the distinguished retired U.S. Army Chaplain Don Zapsic.
The concept of Memorial Day more-often-than not centers upon the fact that Americans were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country and consequently did. The literal expression of this viewpoint culminates in countless parades, flags placed on the headstones of veterans, and inevitable speeches by public figures. I would like to believe that those who died in the line duty were motivated by something more than the willingness to stand and deliver in the face of harm’s way. The commonly-held belief that I refer to is simply a commitment to the ideal of freedom which we have exported to oppressed peoples throughout the world. This fact is nowhere more evident than in massive cemeteries scattered throughout the world that hold the remains of American servicemembers who died on foreign soil so that others could be free.
One of the cornerstone features of America is that we believe so deeply in freedom that we are willing to preserve our liberty so that it can be enjoyed by future generations of U.S. citizens. It is no accident that we enjoy the right to bear arms, possess religious liberty, exercise free speech or for that matter have safeguards in place to protect personal property against confiscatory taxation. It was bought and paid for over and over again by patriots who have passed on liberty’s torch to future generations. More to the point, every servicemember takes an oath to “defend the Constitution from all enemies whether within, or beyond our borders.” From the beaches of Normandy, to the jungles of Vietnam and onto the desert sands of Southwest Asia; every Soldier, Sailor, Airmen, and Marine swore to uphold the Constitution with their very lives if necessary.”
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The most fitting tribute that can be afforded to our fallen heroes this Memorial Day is to get back to working together as a nation for the common good. To put aside partisan politics that sacrifices the practical for the pragmatic in the name of party solidarity. To once again affirm the principles, values, and virtues that has made America great in the past and sufficient to carry forward the expectation of a bright and promising future. And last but certainly not least, to continue improving the VA system so that those who have “borne the burden of battle” can live with the respect and dignity they deserve. A burden best characterized as living with the seen and unseen scars that often accompany military service.
As far as all of the fanfare that culminates in the Memorial Day celebration, it is a good thing to behold if not designed to be a cheap substitute for the hard work associated with maintaining a constitutional republic. On a personal level, I am grateful for Memorial Day because it provides an opportunity to give pause to consider those that I have been privileged to serve with who made the ultimate sacrifice. Especially a fine young man named Jeremy, who had great plans that were never realized due to a roadside bomb in Iraq some fourteen years ago. Perhaps you do not know anyone who has served in the military and would like to make a contribution through the gift of your presence. There are many local observances in communities throughout the country that would love to have you join them.