Memorial Day
More than just a day to remember
“For love of country, they accepted death.” President James A. Garfield
Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend and official kickoff to summer. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was first observed May 30, 1868, to honor the Civil War’s fallen soldiers. Now, the national observance occurs every year on the last Monday in May to honor those who died in the line of duty. While we tend to honor all of the men and women who have served this country on Memorial Day, it is not to be confused with Veterans Day.
As President Barack Obama said in his 2016 Memorial Day speech: “Every day, there are American families who pray for the sound of a familiar voice when the phone rings. For the sound of a loved one’s letter or email arriving. More than one million times in our history, it didn’t come. And instead, a car pulled up to the house. And there was a knock on the front door. And the sounds of Taps floated through a cemetery’s trees.”
This coming Monday, May 28, is the day set aside to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and there are opportunities to attend services in various communities throughout Plumas County. No matter what your plans include, take a moment to remember those who gave their lives for our country, but even more than that, honor them by your actions. Also in the words of President Obama: “A nation reveals itself not only by the people it produces, but by those it remembers.We do so not just by hoisting a flag, but by lifting up our neighbors. Not just by pausing in silence, but by practicing in our own lives the ideals of opportunity and liberty and equality that they fought for.”
The following presidential quotes may provide further inspiration:
Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.
President Harry S. Truman
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
President John F. Kennedy
Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. It’s a day to be with the family and remember.
President Ronald Reagan
Whether we observe the occasion through public ceremony or through private prayer, Memorial Day leaves few hearts unmoved. Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor.
President George H. Bush
Their sacrifice was great, but not in vain. All Americans and every free nation on earth can trace their liberty to the white markers of places like Arlington National Cemetery. And may God keep us ever grateful.
President George W. Bush
Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice.
President Barack Obama
We only hope that every day we can prove worthy not only of their sacrifice and service but of the sacrifice made by the families and loved ones they left behind. Special, special people.
President Donald J Trump
