To the Editor:A day to rememberThe long farewells, the tears, the agony; precious time lost. Throughout our history, many men and women and their loved ones have gone through this so that members of our military could go off to serve their country during wartime. These soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines have volunteered and been drafted, sent to the far corners of the globe in the name of our country and freedom. During this time a great number have not returned, they made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. This is the greatest tragedy of war, all of the lost lives, young people killed before they really had a chance to live. It is hard to imagine all of the 18-year-old "boys" killed on foreign soil in our name. Memorial Day originated in Waterloo, N.Y., as Decoration Day when a local druggist, Henry C. Wells suggested taking a day to honor the soldiers killed in the Civil War. This was in 1866, and it was decided that wreathes, crosses, and bouquets would adorn each of the veteran’s graves. The village was also draped in black to denote mourning and flags were flown at half-mast. As the nation adopted the new holiday, the date was moved from the 5th of each May to the 30th of May. It was eventually moved again to the last Monday in May.Over the last several decades Memorial Day has turned into a three-day weekend. A reason to have a party or do something with friends. This is the first weekend of summer, a time for graduation parties, hit the lake or campground, or to just rest after a long winter. Our military forces have fought off the Kaiser, Hitler, Hirohito and Communism. This year we have tens of thousands of troops in several countries fighting for our principals and to eliminate the terrorist threats against our country. Since Sept. 11th, our military has suffered many losses, brave men and women lost for the cause. Once again there are fresh graves to mark for Memorial Day. This Memorial Day there will be ceremonies at each of the cemeteries. These ceremonies are normally short, with the Legion Honor Guard and a member of the clergy. The 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps round out a solemn prayer and the laying of the wreath at the base of the flagpole. Conducted mid morning, it is very easy to get to one of these to honor those who fought and died for the very freedom you enjoy today.So this Memorial Day, try to take the time to attend a ceremony for those who have given everything for you and your loved ones. Few communities in our nation have been spared the loss of a young man to the ravages of war. If you can’t make it to the cemetery, say a short prayer for those brave souls and the families that lost them.Curtis Hendel
