The "Memorial" in Memorial Day has been ignored by too many of us who are the beneficiaries of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
Often we do not observe the day as it should be - a day where we actively remember our family members, our ancestors, our loved ones, our neighbors and our friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
We need to remember with sincere respect those who paid the price for our freedoms; we need to keep in sacred remembrance those who died serving their country. We need to never let them be forgotten.
However, over the years the original meaning and spirit of Memorial Day has faded from the public consciousness. Several thousand community residents enjoyed the wonderful parade earlier this week, but only a few hundred stayed to observe the memorial service at its conclusion, and how many paid a visit to one of our local cemeteries?
To restore the traditional day of observance of Memorial Day, consider participating by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, visiting memorials or flying the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon. You could also fly the POW/MIA flag as well.
I would encourage folks to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day or by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the truly disabled veterans.
These are good ways to show remembrance of those who have sacrificed so much all year round, not just on May 26.
We need to teach our children the day's meaning. Show others by our actions that we will not forget.
Our community has developed a fine tradition in the Proud-to-Be patriotic concert at Cornerstone Elementary School the week before Memorial Day.
Support of this program and projects such as the American Legion Poppy program will help to restore the true meaning of Memorial Day. Show others by our actions that we will not forget.
You don't have to believe in war to honor our family, friends, and neighbors who died in service to their country.
Lt. Col. (ret.) James R. Dempsey is Commander of Dexter American Legion Post 557 and USAF Health Services Administrator. He is a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force. Local military veterans may contact him to assist with Legion veteran programs. To contact Col. Dempsey, e-mail dxtrjames@aol.com.
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