Decoration Day

In 1868 General James Garfield of the Union Army gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the speech more than five thousand flags were placed on the graves and there after the day was known as Decoration Day and is now known as Memorial Day.

Remembering those who gave their lives for the defense of their country, freedom and liberty is important to us all. Every day men and women of our armed forces stand on the line between us and those who would destroy us. As a Viet Nam veteran I am very much aware of the horrible cost of war and how it changes us. Being involved in battle is a form of trauma and sometimes the results are life long. Some of our service men came home alive but with dead spirits.

Today we still have men and women dying on the field of battle so tomorrow on Memorial Day 2013 let us take the time to remember and reflect on what they give us. As we gather to eat and drink take some time of the fun to pause for a moment of silent reflection and thanks.