Op-Ed: For the love of family and country
LIVING ON PURPOSE
By Dr. Billy Holland
Memorial means to “remember” and every year on the last Monday in May, we honor those who sacrificed their life in the line of active military service. The first Amendment was not only signed into existence with ink, but with the blood of over 1.3 million Americans who have died in U.S. wars since 1775, along with multitudes of wounded who have suffered with physical and mental difficulties. Truly, our privilege and freedom to openly live and speak what we believe are liberties that have come at the highest expense.
We live a couple of miles from Camp Nelson National Military Cemetery, and as you drive past, you can see many rows of the over 16,000 perfectly lined white marble tombstones. I admit that I’ve often driven past without hardly thinking about how each of these individuals, at one time or another, accepted the call of sacrificial duty. And what is that call? To defend and protect our liberties – whatever the cost! Each one of these brave soldiers was willing to give their life for their country, as all gave some and some gave all. My family has suffered loss from war and has a deep appreciation for the men and women who have served to protect our country. Each of my Mother’s brothers and her Father served, and one of her brothers, Kenny Maye, was killed in Korea. I have his tags, casket flag, and a rare military photo of him. He was only 20 years old in 1950, and his body was never found. Sadly, his existence is nearly unknown, and I often wonder about the life he could have had.
Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers. During that first national commemoration, former Union General and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there. From 1861-1865, approximately 620 thousand soldiers perished in the Civil War, by far the most devastating conflict in America’s history.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be commemorated on the last Monday of May. Memorial Day is commemorated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Each soldier has their own story, but all are highly esteemed for their conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond the call of duty. This is a quote from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. “Private George Watson distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism on 8 March 1943, while serving in the Pacific Command with the 2d Battalion, 29th Quartermaster Regiment, near Porlock Harbor, New Guinea. Private Watson was on board a troop ship, the Dutch Steamer ‘Jacob’ (United States Army Transport), when it was attacked and hit by enemy bombers. Before it sank, the ship was abandoned. Private Watson, instead of seeking to save himself, remained in deep waters long enough to assist several soldiers who could not swim to reach the safety of a life raft. This heroic action, which subsequently cost him his life, resulted in saving the lives of several of his comrades.
Weakened by continuous physical exertion and overcome by muscular fatigue, Private Watson drowned when the suction of the sinking ship dragged him beneath the surface of the swirling waters. His demonstrated bravery and unselfish act set in motion a series of compelling events that finally led to American victory in the Pacific. Private Watson’s extraordinary valorous actions, his daring and inspiring leadership, and his self-sacrificing devotion to his fellow man exemplify the finest traditions of military service.”
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of humanity. Because of their love for country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” – James A. Garfield, May 30, 1868, Arlington National Cemetery.
Dr. Holland is an ordained minister, chaplain, teacher, and Christian author. Read more about your purpose at billyhollandministries.com