Reflections About Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a day to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by our military men and women, so that we may live lives of peace and freedom. Many of the Memorial Day speakers touched on these themes.
Post Adjutant Stacey Moore said, “As we gather at cemeteries, attend parades, and spend time with loved ones this Memorial Day, we remember the fallen of World War II and Vietnam, as well as all of those who have lost their lives in service to our country. Let their stories serve as a constant reminder of the preciousness of peace and the enduring value of freedom.”
BHS Junior Roselyn Anderson shared her thoughts on freedom. She stated, “Freedom allows we, the people, to have a voice in the choices of our country. Our strong democracy is a freedom, I believe all should have. It provides so many freedoms that help our country to be everlasting.”
Retired Major General Gregory Batts shared that Memorial Day is to honor, to mourn, and to appreciate. We are not supposed to celebrate but to reflect and to recognize sacrifices made for us all. Major General Batts’ final words were, “Have your barbeque, have your day at the beach or in the park, celebrate the start of summer, but while you have your fun, maybe pause and raise a glass to the thousands of heroes who have provided the freedoms, you and all Americans, enjoy each day.”
What does Memorial Day Mean to You?
“I started coming here with my dad when they first started doing this. It meant a lot to him because he had brothers in the service. I didn’t realize how much I was getting from attending.”
— Letitia Temple
“I honor their memory and my brother’s 20 years in the service. He passed away, and I keep coming for him.”
— Rick Clift
“I had my brother, Jim Myers, and my son in the service. We celebrate it every year.”
— Virginia Bell
“My husband, Mitch Toto Sr., was in the Army reserves.”
— Nancy Toto
“Our veterans fought for us, and we have to be there for them. That’s kind of a bottom line, right? We love them.”
— Bob Ewing
“I think it’s an important way to honor our fallen members who fought for our country.”
— Tia Detling and Daughters
“This is a great appreciation for those who have gone before us, have lost their lives, and in the hope that we can continue with our freedoms for all, including men and women.”
— Mary Jane Wood
“Sacrifice. That’s exactly what it means to me.”
–Corey Powell
“My grandson is in the Army now. So it is a great privilege to attend this program. And my grandson-in-law is in the Army, too. So it’s a special day for me, and I’ll be attending more of these events. Freedom is not free.”
— Mary Samuel
“Reflection. I believe in this and that more people should be involved. I am very patriotic.”
— Jean Davies
“It’s a very special day to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.”
— Larry Conway
“Honoring the service people and the ones that are no longer here.”
— Martha Thompson
“It means a lot to me because I’m a Korean veteran. It’s good to have our young people understand what service is. It’s to remind you of your lost grandpaps and grandmothers that fought in the service.”
— Frank “Clem” Williams
“Honoring our country.”
— Judy Hannahs
“Honoring all of our military folks, wherever they are. I pray that they’re safe today.”
— Janie Burkhart
“I remember my husband, Bill Young. He was deceased from the Vietnam War.”
— Pat Anderson
“All the veterans. My brother John, who was with Patton in five of his major six battles. How brave our soldiers were to give their lives.”
— Ralph Anderson
“The men and women with the armed services who lost their lives for the freedom in this country.”
— James Chapell
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