Far from the focus on those who left and returned only to be buried in their hometown cemeteries, or harsher yet, never returned at all, we have sanitized and white washed and almost completely forgotten what Memorial Day really means to those who have fought for our right to eat burgers and brats in a swimsuit by the lake with the beer flowing and tears no where in sight. And more importantly, who upheld the values enumerated in the Constitution - life, liberty, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to gather and protest and vote - all the rights conferred upon us simply by being American citizens.
Memorial Day should be personal. Memorial Day should be thought filled. Memorial Day should be a day of remembrance, first and foremost.
We should, indeed, enjoy our picnic meals, our splashing and playing, our day off from our regular lives. The payment, as one young veteran, Brian Danielson, so succinctly put it recently, has already been made in advance. All of the veterans I know would want us to celebrate our freedom that was purchased at so high a price.
But they also want us to remember those who paid that price, and are not here to enjoy the day with us. It is not too much to ask that we stop and think about the fallen for a little while on our way to the party.
So today, as I quietly sit in the comforts of my living room enjoying the calm of my orderly life, I remember two people, in particular, who left my small town as young men, and returned as memories in the hearts of those who loved them most.
Major Benjamin Danielson, and PFC Gordon Gunhus, although I was a little girl when you left, and much too young to either understand or appreciate what you were facing, I remember you today, and honor you for your sacrifice and your service. You are not forgotten, and I thank you, and your families, for giving your lives in service of this country. It is a privilege to take this day to think about your lives and what they mean to me, and to us as a country. Although we are a very divided nation today, and we face many great challenges, I firmly believe that your service stood for something important, and we will continue on and uphold the values for which you gave your lives.
Brian Danielson said some words when his father was finally found and brought home from Loas that have remained, for me, the ultimate reason for this day.
"We should all be reminded of what it means to sacrifice for our country, and what our country will sacrifice for you. No matter how long it takes, no matter the circumstances, if you sacrifice for our country, we will bring you home."
To all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and to their families, thank you. There is nothing more to say.
