Statement issued by state Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn:
Memorial Day:
Remembering what and who this occasion is all about
Many of them were someone else’s sons and daughters from homes in cities and towns we never knew. And yet, we knew them.
Many of them loved to stand on a green hill in a local park, admire the landscape, breathe in the fresh air and literally taste the freedom – just like us.
Many of them loved to hear the laughter of children as they played in a safe place, with no need to be concerned about enemies lurking just over the hill – just like us.
Many of them loved to look at a starry night sky and dream of the possibilities their future held, a night sky not blurred by the rocket’s red glare – just like us.
Many of them had the same feelings you and I share about the wonder of nature, the blessings of children and the optimism that comes with each day’s sunrise.
Yes, we knew them, because they were just like us.
And so many of them gave up all the blessings we cherish – trading the green hill for a bunker, the laughter of children for the thunder of gunfire or roadside bomb, the starry night sky for the shadows of death.
The least you and I can do on this Memorial Day is pause from our packed schedules and remember them.
Memorial Day has become such a busy and enjoyable time, it’s easy to forget the occasion’s true origins. It’s more than just a day when the swimming pool opens; more than just a time to fire up the backyard grill and listen to the Indianapolis 500 mile race; more than just another excuse to have a three-day weekend.
What was Memorial Day intended to represent?
When Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868, there were no “three-day weekends” being celebrated. In fact, it wasn’t a celebration at all, but a somber, tearful, respectful ceremony as thousands of Civil War veterans, orphans and others helped decorate more than 20,000 graves of Civil War dead at Arlington Cemetery.
It was called “Decoration Day” then. This idea was so well-received, it spread quickly. In 1873, New York became the first state to declare May 30 a holiday. By the end of the 1800s, states throughout the nation had done the same.
War is not and has never been convenient. Yet, Memorial Day has been moved from its original spot on the calendar for the sake of conveniences. While the true observance was originally supposed to fall on May 30, the National Holiday Act of 1971 deemed it to fall on the last Monday in May so it could be a three-day weekend.
But without people willing to serve and sacrifice over these many years, would there still be a running of the Indianapolis 500 – or just running, running away from tyranny and oppressive government?
Without the efforts of America’s fallen soldiers, would we still have parades – or just the marching of a dictator-ruled army flexing its muscle and intimidating its citizens?
As we participate in the varied and wonderful celebrations of Memorial Day, let us remember those who continue to make them all possible by giving the ultimate sacrifice. To all of them, we say today: Yes, we knew you. Yes, we thank you. Yes, we remember you.
