Has this special day of remembrance been lost on the American people? It’s a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war? Judging from what Memorial Day has become—simply another day off from work—the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. America’s collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That’s why they are all collectively remembered on one special day. This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nation’s war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations. They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common—love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends. We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible—giving one’s own life on behalf of others. Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone. Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples. Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth. As America’s older war veterans fast disappear from society’s landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed. Now, more than in recent years, the enduring relevance of Memorial Day should be clearly evident. With two wars under way, the public has no excuse not to remember. This much is owed to the more than 3,600 Americans who have died thus far in Afghanistan and Iraq. Greg Woodruff VFW Post 1033

Thank you Greg.

Memorial Day
Fostering patriotism and honoring America's veterans, whether it is Memorial Day, Independence Day or Veterans Day, is part of the VFW's philosophical core. Public commemorations hosted by VFW Posts worldwide cultivate an appreciation of both the responsibilities and benefits of being an American.

More Than Enough

I have so many feelings whirling inside of me, like how the price of freedom certainly isn’t free. I know this and I can say it honestly, for I have been there and seen what others often choose not to see . I have felt the sting of pain and known the soul ache of a loss, I have seen many a soldier who have paid the final cost. I know the feel of regret and the hammering of helplessness, for not knowing when I could do more and wondering why when I did less. I have seen the many wounded who struggle to push back tears, to show the other soldiers it will be ok to show no fear. I have known a special few whose lives have been changed forever, but don’t regret a minute but look back on those who stood with them together. I have seen what this war can do to those who are affected by brutality, and known how hard it is some times to claim ones sanity. I know how it was to be so far away from home, and even at times been where I feel completely small and alone. I have felt the swelling of anger well up inside, when I didn’t understand how someone could do these things then hide. I have seen uniforms soaked in blood, tattered, and torn, worn for such long times that they are now old and worn. I have been there as soldiers prayed before they rolled out, and I have heard them cry and sometimes shout. I have met many soldiers that meant the world to me, and seen them at their best and worst as they have seen me. I have said goodbyes to many some seem forever, and even been there to comfort a fallen one's brother. I have seen our flag raised high above all, and watched it handed to a mother who had a soldier fall. I have seen the daughters and sons of many do great things, and seen them when they felt what they did really wasn’t a big thing. I have seen the pride that each soldier holds, even when at times they left words untold. I have been there as a comfort and more than a friend, when others felt there would be no end. I have been next to and seen the few and the brave, and even watched as they were put in a grave. I have laid awake many a night and felt the drained feeling of lack of sleep, and I know that like others these feelings run deep. I have been to that tortured hell in the sand, and have come back to this, our promised land. I will never forget what I have seen and been through, its was more than enough for me... How about you? ----------------------- About my time I spent in Iraq. I was a Military Police officer stationed North of Balad near Mosul and in northeast Baghdad near Sadr City.

By Angela Cronister Copyright 2004