As another Memorial Day dawns over Ruston the American flags are out, cars on their way to the park are backed up in the sunshine and we enjoy a respite from work and school. But the day off is more than the official start to summer. I researched the history of the holiday last year, but the declaration from that first "Decoration Day" bears repeating:
"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan." --General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868
As we enjoy our barbeques with family this weekend, another family in Gig Harbor lives out the true meaning of this holiday. Their son was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Their other three sons are serving us in the same conflict. The News Tribune has more of their story here....
So I join General Logan in thanking the widows, the grieving parents and orphans. Your sacrifice is beyond measure. The gift your loved ones have given America is valuable and honorable. Today we remember and pray you find some small measure of comfort in our gratitude.
Karen
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