Memorial Day is a special day to remember those who have died in service to our nation. It used to be called "Decoration Day. There seems to be some controversy as to when and where Memorial Day began, with multiple towns and cities claiming to be the birthplace. All accounts though, place the beginning to be around the time of the Civil War. In 1966, President Johnson declared Waterloo, NY to be the official birthplace of Memorial Day. Where and when it began isn't really as important as that it began.

Memorial Day was first officially proclaimed on May 5th, 1868 by General John Logan (shown in the photo), the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30th, 1868, by the placing of flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

In 1873, New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday. It was recognized by the rest of the northern states by 1890. The southern states were initially defiant, and refused to acknowledge the holiday, preferring instead to honor their dead on different days. This changed after World War I, when the holiday changed from honoring only those who died fighting in the Civil War, to honoring all Americans who died fighting in any war. It is now celebrated every year on the last Monday in May.

So what is a hero anyway? Many people, adults and children, consider celebrities, musicians and sports figures to be heroes. In reality though, being able to act a part, sing or play music and throw/hit/catch a ball only makes one talented, not heroic. A hero is a person who overcomes great adversity or who puts his life on the line to help another or who acts with honor and valor or who dies while serving a cause that is greater than himself. A hero acts bravely in the face of danger with little regard for self. A hero makes great personal sacrifice to assist another. Heroism is not discriminatory and can be portrayed by a person of any age, gender, race, socio-economic status, religion, etc.

What about honor? The word "honor" has many different definitions, but for our purpose, it means to have honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions, or principled uprightness of character; personal integrity.

And what is valor? We seldom hear this word anymore, but it is one we should never forget. The definition of valor is, boldness or determination in facing great danger, esp. in battle; heroic courage; bravery.

There are so many military heroes that deserve to be honored. Rather than try to pick and choose, I've added links below to websites that have already selected a great many to profile. I encourage you to click on the links provided to discover the amazing heroes we all should be deeply in gratitude to. Please take a moment to honor their service and sacrifice for this great country.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." ~ John 15:13

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest award given for valor and gallantry in the action against any enemy of the United States. To be awarded the MOH, the recipient distinguishes himself conspicuously for personal bravery or self-sacrifice in action, going above and beyond the call of duty, putting one's own life on the line, clearly distinguishing his actions from that of his comrades.

The MOH was first issued during the Civil War. It was the only type of military medal awarded during that was. Since then, many other medals have been established to recognize valor, sacrifice and bravery during times of war or conflict. While all of these medals are to be appreciated and respected, the Medal of Honor remains the highest, most supreme honor one can achieve.

There are three types of MOH. The original type was designed first for the Navy in 1861 and is in the shape of a simple star. It has been retained for the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. The second type was designed for the Army in 1904 and is shaped like a star encircled by a wreath. The third type was designed for the Air Force in 1963 and is shaped similar to the Army medal, but with an altered wreath.

The Medal of Honor can be awarded to one that has fulfilled his duty and returned home a living hero, or it can be awarded posthumously to one who made the ultimate sacrifice with his life. Since its inception, the MOH has been awarded 3,447 times (to date - Memorial Day 2008). There are 19 men who've been double recipients.

There is too much information about the Medal of Honor and the heroes who've been awarded it, to try and list it all here. Once again I've added links to some wonderful sites that are dedicated specifically to this.

Arlington National Cemetery was established during the Civil War and is one of two national cemeteries that is administered by the Department of the Army (the other is United States Soldiers' and Airman's Home National Cemetery). It is both an honor and a privilege to be buried there. It is located in Arlington, VA on the grounds of Arlington House, the former estate of the family of Mary Anna Curtis Lee (descendent of Martha Washington), who was the wife of Robert E. Lee.

It is home to veterans and military casualties from the Revolutionary War to the current wars being fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are more than 290,000 people buried there, with more being added weekly. Very specific criteria must be met to be buried at Arlington, but it is not solely for military members who've died in a time of war. Surprisingly, though any current or former President of the United States is permitted to be buried there, only two actually are - President William H. Taft, who died in 1930, and President John F. Kennedy, who died in 1963.

Another surprising fact is that there are 62 foreign nationals who've been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. The foreign nationals that are interred there consist of 24 British nationals, 4 Canadian nationals, 13 French nationals, 4 Italian nationals, 2 Dutch nationals, 9 South Vietnamese nationals, 1 South African national and another that may be from South Africa, 1 Australian national, 1 Chinese national, 1 Greek national and 1 German national.

There are many ceremonies that are held regularly at Arlington. Some of the ceremonies include military funerals, wreath layings, "flags in" (for Memorial Day) and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. More than four million people visit Arlington National Cemetery annually. Many of these come to pay their final respects at graveside services, of which nearly 100 are held each week, Monday through Friday. There is much to see at Arlington; there are the graves and Tomb of the Unknowns of course, as well as a visitors Center, the Memorial Amphitheater and various other monuments and memorials.

The Tomb of the Unknowns is one of the most popular monuments to visit at Arlington National Cemetery. It is dedicated to the American servicemen who've died in combat without their remains being identified. The first country to honor their unknown dead warriors, was the United Kingdom in 1920. The monument in England is at Westminster Abbey. France quickly followed suit and their Tomb of the Unknown was placed beneath the Arc de Triumphe in 1921. The United States quickly followed.

There are six wreaths that are carved into the north and south panels of the tomb, that represent six major battles of World War I: Ardenne, Belleau Wood, Chateau-Thierry, Meuse-Argonne, Oisiu-Eiseu and Somme. Sculpted into the east panel of the tomb, are three Greek figures representing Peace, Victory and Valor. The west panel of the tomb has inscribed these words:

HERE RESTS IN
HONORED GLORY
AN AMERICAN
SOLDIER
KNOWN BUT TO GOD

It is considered to be the highest of honors to serve as sentinel for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is guarded 24/7/365. Only about one in five of those who volunteer are accepted for the training program and of that only a very small amount complete and pass their training to become actual Tomb Guards. As a matter of respect and honor, the sentinels do not wear rank insignia on their uniforms so that they do not outrank the Unknowns, whatever their rank may have been.

There is a formal changing of the guard ceremony that varies in frequency depending on the season. The changing of the guard is highly symbolic, but is also conducted in accordance with Army regulations. The ceremony takes about 10 minutes and can be witnessed by the public whenever Arlington National Cemetery is open.

Unfortunately, too many of us have forgotten the reverence and solemnity of what Memorial Day represents. While the majority of the people in the United States are still patriotic, there has been a loss of meaning of words like honor, sacrifice, valor and bravery. We are beneficiaries of those who've given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. The old expression of "freedom isn't free" is glaringly clear when we see what it has cost so many thousands of heroic men and women, who've given their all on battlefields around the world, to ensure our freedom, as well as the freedom of others. Maybe we personally know someone who has fallen in battle and maybe we don't, but all deserve to be honored. So what can we do to properly observe this special day?

~ Remember what Memorial Day is for and teach the children.

~ Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of the fallen heroes.

~ Visit memorials that are dedicated to our fallen war heroes.

~ Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon.

~ Fly the POW/MIA flag as well.

~ Participate in the "National Moment of Remembrance" at 3:00 PM to pause and think about the true meaning of the day and to play the tune "Taps".

~ Do something to help the widows, widowers and children of the fallen and also offer aid the disabled veterans who've served as well.

~ Offer thanks to our veterans and appreciate the sacrifice they've made.

~ Go to a parade if there is one in your area.

~ If possible travel to Washington to visit Arlington National Cemetery. If that is not possible, perhaps a shorter trip to a military base that may be near to join in their observances.

~ Visit and possibly take cookies or flowers to a nearby veterans hospital to show your appreciation.

There is nothing wrong with celebrating this holiday with your family and friends, traveling, having barbeques and the like, just don't forget to remember the meaning behind the holiday. Take a little time from the fun and festivities to reflect and remember that freedom isn't free, and we all are indebted to their sacrifice.

PRAYERS

Eternal God,
Creator of years, of centuries, Lord of whatever is beyond time, Maker of all species and Master of all history -- How shall we speak to you from our smallness and inconsequence? Except that you have called us to worship you in spirit and in truth; You have dignified us with loves and loyalties;
You have lifted us up with your loving-kindnesses.
Therefore we are bold to come before you without groveling [though we sometimes feel that low] and without fear [though we are often anxious]. We sing with spirit and pray with courage because you have dignified us; You have redeemed us from the aimlessness of things' going meaninglessly well.
God, lift the hearts of those for whom this holiday is not just diversion, but painful memory and continued deprivation. Bless those whose dear ones have died needlessly, wastefully [as it seems]
in accident or misadventure. We remember with compassion those who have died serving their countries in the futility of combat. There is none of us but must come to bereavement and separation,
when all the answers we are offered fail the question death asks of each of us. We believe that you will provide for us as others have been provided with the fulfillment of "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
~ By Rev. Dick Kozelka (ret)First Congregational Church of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN.

"Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives. May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support. In the name of Jesus. Amen."
Author Unknown

POEMS

Eulogy for a Veteran - Author Unknown

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Freedom Is Not Free - LCDR Kelly Strong*, USCG - ©1981

I watched the flag pass by one day,
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Service man saluted it,
And then he stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil
How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of Taps one night,
When everything was still,
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That Taps had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin.
Of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.

*Cmdr. Strong may be contacted by email at:
kellystrong@aol.com

I Stand Before You - Roger J. Robicheau ©2001

I stand before you all today
But not one eye can see my way

My time arrived, to leave this earth
A fact so planned, to every birth

It happened where I had to go
My torch for life was so aglow

I transferred while in uniform
Protecting freedom, through a storm

Should I resent I died for you
Not on my life, red white and blue

Please help my family through each day
Tell all my friends, try not to stray

And of the country I did love
Do think of me, through God above

Your memories, brought forth this day
Send love to us, who could not stay.

Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting. The history its origins are clouded by controversy, but that in no way diminishes the strong emotions Taps evokes.

The twenty-four notes that make up the melody of Taps, create what is arguably the most poignant and dramatic tune that is heard at funerals, memorials and wreath laying ceremonies, as well as lights out for soldiers. It is difficult to imagine that there may be someone unmoved by Taps.

While most people quickly and easily recognize the melody, far fewer are familiar with the words to Taps, which are:

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.

Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, 'Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.