It’s hard to repay the debt of a human life. Yet today in the United States, we remember those who died for us, fighting in wars to keep our freedoms safe from those who would take them away from us.
War still rages around us, soldiers still fight today. And every month, soldiers die fighting for us. For our democracy. For our country.
I’m not sure how to repay that debt. All I can do is remember and give thanks to those who fell in battle, because without their sacrifice, I’m not sure I’d be here living in one of the world’s greatest democracies.
Memorial Day’s roots can be traced back to the Civil War, when people who honor those who fought in that bloody war by decorating the graves of the dead. After WWI, it was expanded to recognize the sacrifices given by those who fight in any war.
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Thanks, John. Writing about psych issues that are result of serving in military and especially in combat zones is helpful. Making people aware that vigilance has a price and that part of the price paid isn’t visible to the naked eye.
I find this strange, even after the insanities of the last 10 years, that the USA still regards itself as the only ‘real’ part of the world. This is to ignore the parts played in the chaos of the UK (my home), Spain, France, Australia, and a whole host of ‘other countries’. Get real, the USA, and appreciate – and acknowledge – that you are not alone – it is not just you against the world. We, in Europe, certainly, have ties to you that you seem reluctant to acknowledge. Wake up, and play the 21st century as it should be. You are not alone, and neither are we!
Peter, I think you’re overreacting. Memorial Day is when we recognize our soldiers who died in military service. It’s not a new thing. Does the UK set aside a day to recognize other countries who have lost men and women in combat? If so, I admit I’m not familiar with it.
Countries have always had their own national holidays. I don’t see anything wrong with that. It’s not saying other people don’t matter.