To Remember is a Sacred Duty

Once again our nation has observed another Memorial Day. Amidst all the automobile Memorial Day sales events, the ‘special’ Memorial Day sales from our nation’s retailers, the laughter of children splashing into a pool, picnics and parades galore, hopefully each of us, in our own way took time to remember those whose blood was spilled on our nation’s behalf.

But what about the other 364 days of the year? The fallen among us do not magically disappear the day after Memorial Day. Or do they? Nor do the tears of their loved ones evaporate on the next morn. And the grieving hearts of their families and friends do not instantly heal with the passing of the day.

However, there is a way that each of us can ensure that the memory of our fallen become a living, vital part of who and what our nation is all about. That way is to remember that our nation is still a work in progress. So many have died so that we can continue to build this nation not on empty rhetoric, but on specific deeds that give credence to the highest American values for which our fallen gave their lives. Perhaps in so doing, we cannot only preserve their memory, but also help heal the shattered hearts they left behind.

AMS