As the nation celebrates Memorial Day today, many of us will use the holiday to escape to beaches, barbecues and other festivities that have little to do with the day that originated in 1868, when Union Gen. John A. Logan reportedly set aside a day to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers. What was then known as Decoration Day later transformed into Memorial Day after World War II and was given that distinction by Congress in 1967. It was declared a federal holiday by President Nixon in 1971.
Unlike Veterans Day, which is a tribute to the men and women who served in the military, Memorial Day is dedicated to those who died in military battles. Tallahassee’s Mark Alvarez, District 2 commander for the Florida Veterans of Foreign Wars, puts it best, when he says, “It’s more than a mattress sales day. It’s a day of reflection.”
To men like Mr. Alvarez and others, it involves a visit to gravesites to pay respects to those who have died while protecting this country’s freedoms. For those who have served in the military and lost friends and relatives in combat, it is a day etched in their minds.
To understand how important this is to veterans, think back on last month’s Honor Flight trip that took 78 World War II and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C., where they visited memorials built in honor of those who served this country. Men and women of their advanced ages publicly fought back tears. Their Memorial Day came early this year.
Today, veterans organizations throughout the region will take part in graveside ceremonies that are open to the public. But the truth is most will be attended by veterans and their families, with just a few others who understand the day’s importance.
Unfortunately, this Memorial Day comes at a time when this country still struggles with the treatment of veterans in need. Federal and state investigations have revealed alarming reports and few answers as to why veterans are dying or being denied medical care because of improprieties at veterans’ hospitals across the country.
This is hard to imagine in a country like ours, with so many resources and so many freedoms that can be traced to the efforts of veterans who are being remembered today.
We can do better than this. And, we must never forget.