The Real Meaning of Memorial Day
The way I understand, this is not really Memorial Day. It was established to be on May 31 each year. However, it was moved to a Monday so folks could enjoy a three-day weekend. I hope we all realizes the huge (very huge) sacrifice that so many families endured so that we could even have a Memorial Day.
If you want a prime example, please check out the front page of the Birmingham News this morning. It shows a large color photo of Mrs. Monzia Upner of Anniston who has been hoping, praying and waiting for 44 years–hoping that the remains of her husband, Edward, can be returned to her for burial. He was killed in Vietnam.
Do we really realize what Memorial Day is all about? Yesterday, in our Men’s Sunday School Class at Huffman Baptist Church, we turned the last 10 minutes into a round-table prayer session for our Army, Navy, Marine and National Guard troops who are in danger around the world.
Not only them, but also their families and loved-ones.
Can you imagine the anxiety that family members have to go through daily? They never know when there may be a knock on the door, or a telegram giving them the awful news that their loved one will not be coming home alive.
Yesterday in our class, we also prayed for kin and family of those lost in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently in Iraq. The American death toll was in the multiplied thousands.
Did you ever wonder how many of those that never came home would have made great presidents, senators, governors, mayors, you name it.
They never had a chance but they provided the freedom that we have on this May 25 to enjoy the day.
So, enjoy the backyard BBQ. It is not the real meaning.
Enjoy the ball games. It is not the real thing.
I sure hope that we will get into a habit of praying DAILY for our troops in danger in so many parts of the world.
AND, their families back home.
It is the least we can do and we owe them much more than that!
May 25th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
One of the best things I have ever seen during a NASCAR race was today at 3:00pm EDT. NASCAR stopped the race under a yellow flag and brought the field to a stop along the start/finish line, drivers shut off their engines and a moment of silence was observed. You could almost hear a pin drop at the race track. Very nice gesture in observance of Memorial Day for NASCAR.
May 25th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Semper Fi, Booyaaaa, and Amen to that!!!
May 25th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
I just wanted to say that I appreciate my father for serving two tours of duty in vietnam and also my brother for serving in Desert Storm. I was recently turned on to the idea of the Vietnam War Memorial bracelets. I bought one and wear it daily. they have names of men who were POWs or are still MIA on them and every day that i look at it i’m reminded of how lucky i am that my father survived and that i was born. I encourage everyone to get a bracelet, they were started in the 60s by some young girls in college in CA and have continued this long. The non-profit organization is still private and they have a a website. Go to americanpatriotonline.com to learn more. Happy Memorial Day!
May 25th, 2009 at 3:11 pm
Very well said JB. Thanks.
May 25th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Thank you for those patriotic words, JB!
I hope that many watched the Memorial Day tribute from Washington last night on PBS. It was inspiring, touching.
May 25th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Thanks J.B.I am here today because of our brave men and women in service for our country–I do not forget that.War is hell,but,sometimes a neccesary evil.My father’s bomber was shot down during WW two.He spent over two years as a prisoner of war in Germany.I am thankfull he made it back home to Gadsden.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Was at the Alabama National cemetery (sp) this morning with my sons Cub Scout troop participating in the ceremonies. Veterans from all wars from WWII until now. It was the most beautiful and moving experience I have ever seen. Your heart swelled with pride and awe at the same time the tears began to flow down your cheeks. My sons were shaking hands with some of the soldiers and veterans present and telling them “thank you” That was a proud moment to see my 10 and 7 year old thanking soldiers. We should take the opportunity at ANY time we encounter a soldier or veteran and thank them for what they have risked their lives for. I AM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!!
May 25th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
J.B. You may remember the large service records fire in St.Louis.Mo. on July 12, 1973. I will call what I’m about to write, “Under Fire Three Times”. During WWII my Dad served in No. Africa, Sicily and Italy for about 18 months, 1943-44, as a Combat Engineer, earned two Purple Hearts and his battalion earned a Presidential Citation for extraordinary heroism in action . I understand less than 100 units since 1942 until today have won this award. He was rotated back to the states in 1944 was trained and became part of the Military Police. He always laughted that he came closer to getting killed as a MP in America than he did overseas.
Now to “Under Fire Three Times. As I mentioned the fire at the building in St. Louis.Mo. where over 52 million servicemen and servicewomen’s records were housed suffered 16 to 18 million personnel records being destroyed by the fire with no back-up what so ever. 80% of all Army personnel records were destroyed for Army vets with discharges from 11-1-1912 to 1-1-1960. 75% of Air Force from 1947 to mid year 1964 destroyed. The Air Force as a service was not organized under 1947 before that it was the Army Air Corp. Navy and Marine Records were not in the fire area and were not damaged.
So 80% of the Army Records(in the millions) from three wars, WWI, WWII, and the Korean War were lost plus the people who served during peacetime.
Later in life my Dad started having medical problems and tried to get VA benefits. The answer from our government, we have no record of your service even when he presented his Honorable Discharge. He passed away in 1996 not getting one penny of benefits from our govt which were rightfully his for his service.
I didn’t find out about this fire or my Dad’s problem getting benefits until last week, but I’m sure there are millions of Vets who were never able to get the benefits owed to them by the country they defended through no fault of there own. To me this is a National Discrace.
To all who have served, those now serving and their families you have my utmost gratitude. Today always brings me a since of pride in what my Dad went through.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
My great uncle was a fighter pilot over Africa and the South Pacific during WWII. The amazing stories that he told. He passed in 1998. But the stories will continue for generations.
Great piece JB. Not only are you a weather legend. You’re a pretty dadgum good guy too.
May 25th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Thank you for that JB!
May 25th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Hey Scott: Maybe your great uncle helped get the Germans off my Dad’s back a few times while he was in Africa. Never know!! Also above, I meant to say National Disgrace!
May 25th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Too true.
May 25th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
It’s so easy to overlook the true meaning of this day and just think of it as a day off. Of course it is fine to enjoy the day but I hope we never forget the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy our lives.
Also, thanks for the prayers of you and your Sunday School Class! It really means alot! Our family has quite a few Military members and I’m so proud of each one!
My Uncle Sam – WWII
My Dad – Vietnam and Korea – US Army 20 years.
My Husband – Deploying to Afghanistan in December – Army National Guard
My Son – Army ROTC at UAB
My Nephew – Just Finished Army Basic Training.
My thanks to ALL of our Military Men and Women who have served or who are serving now. My appreciation to those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
May 25th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I would like to say thank you to my brother first off, he is currently on his third trip to Iraq serving. Love you bro.
Also, want to thank all the others out there who have served and are currently serving and to all the families, what a tremendous sacrafice it is.
May 25th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Exceptional blog, J.B.
A couple of years ago, a bill (S.70) was introduced to Congress, which would restore Memorial Day to its traditional date of observance (actually, May 30), but the bill has apparently languished.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:S.70.IS:
May 25th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
To Stu: On bill (S.70) It’s the Federal Govt, what else is new! I’m sure you read my post# 8. By the way as I write this West Cobb Co. is getting a small shower, by radar, doesn’t look likes it’s raining in Marietta or Dallas, small little thing.
May 25th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
To my late parents, part of the “Greatest Generation” in WW2. Father served in the Navy behind Japanese lines in Mainland China w/ the Sino American Cooperative Organization (SACO), Mom was a WAVE. Mom’s Second cousin was the late CPT Maurice “Footsie” Britt. CPT Britt played Football for Arkansas before WW2 and a year professionally w/ the Detroit Lions before joining the Army. In Italy, he earned the MOH, DSC, BS, SS, and 3 PH while losing his right arm to the Germans. He returned becoming a successful businessman and Lt. Governor of Arkansas. In addition, a salute to 1SGT William Barney Howell; my Great, Grandfather. 1SGT Howell served in Co. A, 14th SC IN Volunteer Rgmt.
I myself a graduate of UA Army ROTC serving in Korea, Panama, Belgium, Ft. Lewis, WA and deployed for Operation Desert Shield/Storm Nov. 90 – Jul 91.
May 26th, 2009 at 12:08 am
James: Do you happen to know where your Mom’s cousin was in Italy, by chance? I ask because my Dad was there for another of months in some pretty tough places. To you, much gratitude for your service
May 26th, 2009 at 8:59 am
My Dad was a June 6, 1941 veteran. He landed in Europe for their and our freedom. He was wounded and received a purple heart in the winter of 1945. We were Blessed he did return home. As a child NO ONE had a “better” Dad…. but, his wounds from WWII caused him nightmares and health problems. Actually until the 1970′s when Vietnam Vet’s suffered from whatever the label…. “battle fatigue”, “shell-shocked”, or “PTSD”…. People mostly did not recognise the “cost” that our “living” Veterans and their families endured. All of OUR veterans SERVED America, they paid a price…. life, death, health, or simply a good nights sleep! Our Armed Forces STILL DO! God Bless Our American Military.
May 26th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Danny: Eisenhower was very aware of “battle fatigue”. I have a book printed in 1948 written by Eisenhower himself which he talks about it, especially in light of the Patton Slapping incidents in Sicily. The word “shell-shocked” even came from World War I. Patton did not believe in it, he thought soldiers who had it were just cowards. Eisenhower believed it was a true condition. Only thing they never did anything about it. My Dad was wounded once then ended up later with severe frostbiten feet in “Sunny Italy’s” winter of early 1944 which was his ticket home with 2 PHs after an extended stay in the hospital. He had no feeling in his feet the rest of his life. If you haven’t read post#8 please read it to see what happened later in life when he needed help. Both my Dad and Father-in-Law were both combat vets and both had drinking problems. The Govt. knew battle fatigue existed, but the WWII Vets didn’t get help when it came to that problem. Nor did the men of what is called “The Forgotten War” Korea.
Quick question I see your June 6, 1941 date, I was wondering did your Dad enter service prior to the war or was he in on the D-Day invasion on June 6. 1944. If it’s the latter I would be interested which beach he hit.
I’m always interested in others stories of where they were etc. I’ve read many books on World War II and it’s a big hobby of mine to continue to gather knowledge. When you know the German Divisions #’s behind the beaches of Normandy and the 4 Japanese Carriers sunk at Midway you may be over the edge.
May 26th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Wayne In Georgia Says:
May 26th, 2009 at 12:08 am
James: Do you happen to know where your Mom’s cousin was in Italy, by chance? I ask because my Dad was there for another of months in some pretty tough places. To you, much gratitude for your service
I have his picture(s) on the wall along w/ the MOH citation. He was a Lieutenant at the time.
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Disdaining enemy hand grenades and close-range machine pistol, machinegun, and rifle, Lt. Britt inspired and led a handful of his men in repelling a bitter counterattack by approximately 100 Germans against his company positions north of Mignano, Italy, the morning of 10 November 1943. During the intense fire fight, Lt. Britt’s canteen and field glasses were shattered; a bullet pierced his side; his chest, face, and hands were covered with grenade wounds. Despite his wounds, for which he refused to accept medical attention until ordered to do so by his battalion commander following the battle, he personally killed 5 and wounded an unknown number of Germans, wiped out one enemy machinegun crew, fired 5 clips of carbine and an undetermined amount of Ml rifle ammunition, and threw 32 fragmentation grenades. His bold, aggressive actions, utterly disregarding superior enemy numbers, resulted in capture of 4 Germans, 2 of them wounded, and enabled several captured Americans to escape. Lt. Britt’s undaunted courage and prowess in arms were largely responsible for repulsing a German counterattack which, if successful, would have isolated his battalion and destroyed his company.
May 26th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
James: I’ll try for the THIRD time to post a response to your above post. Tomorrow they’ll probably all show up at the same time. Your Mom’s cousin and my Dad were in and around alot of the same places. I know you probably know this but your Mom’s cousin is quite a famous man country wide. He has a very nice spread on Wikipedia. I read the whole article and he was quite an impressive man. Thanks for the above post it led me to know more of a true American Hero.
May 27th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Thanks. I’ll try to go by his grave in Little Rock, AR this summer.