A Reminder

Memorial Day Facts from Haggis:

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic,and was first observed on 30 May 1868. First established to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War. First this was not recognized by the South, but following the Civil War both sides came together honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

"Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all" - Gen Logan

In 1915 Moina Michael wrote this poem:

We cherish too, the Poppy redThat grows on fields where valor led,It seems to signal to the skiesThat blood of heroes never dies.

That is why we wear Red poppies, and the money from those poppies went to benifit sevicemen in need.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed on Dec 2000 which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps."

"Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. No doubt, this has contributed greatly to the general public's nonchalant observance of Memorial Day." - VFW

A year ago I was leading a 4-Ship of A-10's on two fly-by passes to honor our fallen Heroes, with my girls on the ground yelling "hello Daddy". This year I am unable to honor our fallen Heroes at home with my girls, but I ask that you kindly remind those around you that this day is more than an excuse to grab some hot dogs and throw them on the grill.

Please this weekend, Honor all of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, and DoD civilians who volunteered to protect our Freedoms and who paid the Ultimate Sacrifice.