JEFFERSON CITY — As another Memorial Day has come and gone, it is important to stop and focus on what this day really means. It isn’t about getting a day off work or standing around a barbecue in the backyard or cruising around one of our beautiful lakes on a boat. Those are all great activities and ones that are important to our families, communities, and state. But, Memorial Day is about much more.
Some of you may not know the history of Memorial Day, and how we came to celebrate it. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that conflict. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. While it began as a day to remember those soldiers who fell in the Civil War, by the 20th century Memorial Day was extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
A lot of people think the success of our country and our state depends on those who do a job like mine, go to Congress, sit in a courtroom or become president. Those folks do matter, but I believe our success as a state and country is just as much, if not more, owed to those who have fought and still fight for our country. You know, it sometimes feels like our men and women in uniform — or even the idea of serving in this nation’s military — gets a bad rap these days. I read a speech from former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers recently and something he said struck me. He said, “There used to be a time in our country when if you turned on the news and American troops were engaged in battle, Walter Cronkite said, ‘Our soldiers prevailed today.’ Or, ‘Our soldiers struggled today.’ It was a very significant thing for our country, I believe, when that pronoun ‘our’ ceased to be part of the description of what the American military did. It was a very significant thing for our country when the tragic events of the Vietnam War period led to disaffection, which in many ways lives with us today, toward people who wear uniforms.”
It is all too common for us to underestimate the importance of expressing our respect and support for the military and individuals who choose to serve in the armed forces of the United States. We can debate our problems, fight for our principles in elections and express our differences passionately, but respect for those who wear military uniforms must be a basic value in our country.
Memorial Day is an opportunity for us to relearn these old lessons and also teach a new generation the fulfillment of giving something back and being part of something larger than themselves and of the joy of making a real contribution that leaves behind a better world than you found. You know, it has been said that you cannot love your country and hate your government. While I understand the sentiment of that statement, I think there is a better way of saying it, I think you can’t love your country if you don’t admire and cherish those who serve it, protect it, and are willing to die for it.
So, as we dedicate this day to honor those who gave their lives serving us, let us never again forget what Memorial Day is really about. Next Memorial Day, while we are enjoying a day off with family and friends or making our way to the lake, let’s stop and thank a veteran or take the time the time and effort to visit a Memorial Day ceremony or remembrance. It is because of the sacrifices of our armed forces that we remain a beacon of hope and the greatest country in the world.
As always, I welcome your ideas, questions and concerns about Missouri government. You may contact me at the State Capitol as follows: (573) 751-1480, david.sater@senate.mo.gov or by writing to Sen. David Sater, Missouri State Capitol, Room 419, Jefferson City, MO 65101. |
