Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed this year on 2007-05-28). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. [source: Wikipedia]
In the course of your celebration of the beginning of summer this year, maybe you could take a minute to raise a glass or even bow a head and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. From the Revolutionary War through to the Civil War, where Memorial Day got its beginning, to the World Wars and even into the unpopular wars, Korea, Vietnam and now Iraq, the men and women who died in those wars deserve to be remembered. For one reason or another, they answered their nation’s call to service and then died in the course of that service. No great love has any man than to lay down his life for another [John 15:13].
I remember Lance Corporal Joseph B. Spence. Killed January 26, 2005.
I remember Petty Officer 1st Class Michael J. Pernaselli. Killed 24 April 2004.
I remember Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher E. Watts. Killed 24 April 2004.
I remember Coast Guardsman, Petty Officer Third Class Nathan Bruckenthal. Killed 24 April 2004.
aloha
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