Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was originally called was, as I’m sure all of you know, a commemoration of all of the Americans who lost their lives in our Civil War. It has grown to give honor to all those who have served their country through military service and paid the ultimate price.
At least two of my great-great-grandfathers fought for the Union in the Civil War. They were spared or I probably wouldn’t be here today. My other great-great-grandfathers were either too old or too young or just weren’t called.
Since then neither I nor any of my ancestors have fought in war. They’ve either been too old or too young or rejected (like my dad) or not called (like me).
So I am that much more grateful and that much more respectful to those who did serve like my father-in-law and my wife’s uncles.
This not a day of division. It is a day of reconciliation. Let’s take this opportunity to forget our differences—at least for a day.
