Posted on May 27, 2013

Memorial Day: a Time to Honor Those who Paid the Ultimate Sacrifice

The last Monday of May is a special day in America. Simply referred to as Memorial Day, it’s a holiday for most folks. It also marks the beginning of the summer vacation season.

But the origin of Memorial Day was the end of the American Civil War. It was a time to commemorate the many Union and Confederate soldiers who died in a bloody war.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, this special day has been expanded over the years to honor all Americans who died while in military service.

As a differentiating value, Honor means esteemed; having an illustrious reputation; show respect towards. This is not a value that comes naturally to most people. It must be learned. It also needs to be practiced or it is forgotten.

For acts of bravery and courage, some soldiers are posthumously awarded various medals, including the Purple Heart. Others are simply acknowledged for their service, dedication, and willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

All are missed.

Honoring with the Flag

Today, a few still observe the proper flag etiquette for Memorial Day:

The flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff, and then solemnly lowered to the half-mast position, where it remains only until noon.
At noon, the flag is raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.

The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.

For everyone who desires to honor those solders who paid the ultimate sacrifice, Memorial Day is an important event. It’s a time to come together and remember, reflect and honor those who have given their all in service to their country.