Memorial Day…

Today is one of those days that I think is–and ought to be–solemn.
Whereas Independence Day is about celebrating America’s separation from Great Britain, Memorial Day is the day we’ve chosen to honor those who have given their lives serving this country.
Three years ago, I saw “The Biggest Little Memorial Day Parade in the Country” here in New Hampshire, and something I said back in 2004 remains true in my mind today:

We take for granted the fact that the members of our armed forces are always there to defend the freedoms that we treasure, and the people we remember today have made the ultimate sacrifice. They have given their lives in the service and defense of America. We have these parades every year to ensure we don’t ever forget what a heroic few have done to protect the liberties that belong to us all.

The words seem trite to some, I’m sure, but…well…they’re true.
I was at work on Friday and encountered a colleague who is several years younger than I am. When I mentioned that I was going to be at the cemetery on Memorial Day, he looked at me oddly. “Memorial Day…what’s that again?”
I was in absolute disbelief. What’s Memorial Day? I only wish I were making this up. It’s called Memorial Day for a reason.
As stunned as I was, though, that didn’t disgust me. This disgusted me:

(If you can’t see John Edwards’ Memorial Day message embedded above, then click here.)
John Edwards apprently doesn’t know what Memorial Day is about, either. Shame on him.
The identity of this holiday is being lost a little more with each subsequent generation. It’s up to those of us who still care to make sure the meaning of Memorial Day is never lost.
William Smith
ConservativeBlogger.com