| "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that | | | | stands. It requires that we remember. |
| good men do nothing." Edmund Burke | | | | So just how do we do that-hamburgers and |
| The kids will eat burgers and hot dogs. The adults | | | | Frisbees aside? |
| will have steaks and salad. Ice cream will be our | | | | - Have a healthy discussion-even if it's over hot |
| dessert, and strawberries, blueberries, and vanilla | | | | dogs on your deck-about the hardships our |
| yogurt will make a celebratory appearance as a | | | | country has had to endure to maintain our |
| side dish. Seems a little funny that we remember | | | | freedoms. Share with them stories of family and |
| the fallen by eating outside, throwing Frisbees, and | | | | friends whose freedom has been jeopardized, or |
| drinking lemonade in the shade. | | | | who never tasted its sweetness in the first place. |
| Yet this is one way we Americans have come to | | | | My own in-laws sent their four kids on two |
| honor our heroes. | | | | separate planes to America without the |
| What began as Decoration Day after the Civil | | | | knowledge that they'd ever see them again. They |
| War in 1866, has evolved into a National holiday, | | | | sacrificed everything in the name of freedom and |
| celebrated across this great land of ours with | | | | democracy. |
| picnics and barbeques. It all started with activist | | | | - Commit to read-sometime this year-a book on |
| concern: Henry Welles, a resident of Waterloo, | | | | American history or on one of the wars in which |
| New York, felt that the soldiers who had died in | | | | our citizens fought. Even if it's not your "thing" and |
| the Civil War should be remembered and honored. | | | | you'd rather curl up on the sofa with The Secret |
| His fellow citizens agreed, and everyone banded | | | | Life of Bees. Become painfully aware of the cost |
| together and paid their respects by placing | | | | in human life of those freedoms which you so |
| crosses and floral bouquets on each patriot's | | | | thoroughly enjoy. |
| grave. The town flag was raised at half mast. | | | | - Watch a war movie together with the older |
| Local veterans held a processional through town. | | | | children in your family to help them get a realistic |
| Waterloo honored the fallen the next spring as | | | | picture of the horror of war. Gruesome scenes |
| well, and two years later, General John Logan | | | | can be fast-forwarded for those children not old |
| officially proclaimed May 5 Decoration Day. It was | | | | enough to handle it; for many, seeing is believing. |
| officially observed on May 30, and the tradition | | | | - Participate in a local parade-or attend as a |
| began-after World War I when the South joined in | | | | cheering bystander. Show your enthusiastic |
| honoring their patriots as well-in 1882 when the | | | | support for those who have personally fought for |
| name was changed to Memorial Day. By 1971, it | | | | your freedom. Flag-waving and applause for our |
| was declared a national holiday, and now our | | | | country's heroes go a long way in fostering |
| entire nation looks forward, every year on this | | | | national pride. |
| last Monday in May, to a day off from work, a | | | | - Take time out today to pray for our president, |
| day off from school, travel soccer tournaments | | | | his closest advisors, and other world leaders. |
| out-of-state, gardening and all-day honey-do | | | | Maintaining strong leadership in wartime is an |
| projects, extra coupons at the mall, and last but | | | | arduous task; offering up prayers for their |
| certainly not least, the aroma of beef cooking on | | | | endurance, emotional and physical strength, and |
| the grill. | | | | wisdom to make the right decisions will go a long |
| We have taken a day set aside to honor our | | | | way towards binding us in our large circle of |
| heroes and turned it into one big, happy, | | | | brotherly love. |
| American playdate. And I am as guilty as the | | | | - Pray for families who have loved ones serving |
| next one. | | | | our country in the war, as well as in strategic |
| So as I reflect on what sense of history and due | | | | positions around the globe in efforts to preserve |
| respect I want to impart to my own kids, it boils | | | | democracy. Pray for peace for spouses and |
| down to the little things. (And isn't that the case | | | | children left behind, and for the brave service |
| with most things in life?) It requires that we instill | | | | men and women who long to be back in their |
| in them respect for the principles upon which this | | | | loved one's arms. |
| great country of ours was built. It requires that | | | | Above all, be thankful. Be thankful for each one of |
| we inject into them a healthy shot of patriotism | | | | the freedoms-large and small-that you enjoy |
| when many hate everything for which we | | | | every single day because others were willing to |
| stand...while yet others risk life and limb to cross | | | | sacrifice on your behalf. Never, ever take their |
| into our borders. | | | | actions, or these freedoms, for granted. |
| It requires that we impart to them the names of | | | | Enjoy this Memorial Day! |
| some of the tall shoulders on which our freedom | | | | |