What is it about freedom that we take for granted until it is infringed upon?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
— Declaration of Independence
The freedoms we enjoy have been fought for and defended by men and women throughout the history of our great country. I grew up in a military family. My father served in the Air Force for 21 years. One of the happiest and most memorable days of my life was the day he returned from Vietnam in 1968. I had friends who’s fathers died in service so words cannot express the joy I felt that day my dad returned home.
In 2003, when they lowered my Dad's casket into the ground the leader of the Air Force honor guard kneeled down on one knee. Reached out and handed the crisply folded American flag to my mom and said, "Mrs. Akers, on behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our deepest sympathy, thanks and appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of your husband, James Lester Akers.
When I recall these experiences, I can’t help but think about everyone who has served in our military. Honoring those who have died in service helps us appreciate the freedom’s we enjoy.
Honoring those who have died in service originated with the Civil War.
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans, established Decorations Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.
Maj. General John A. Logan established May 30 as the day of observation because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. Logan’s order to decorate graves stated,
“… with choicest flowers of the springtime … We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
It was not until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor all who died in all American Wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, and celebrated the last Monday in May.
In December 2000, then President Bill Clinton signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act” which encourages Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to this nation.
Today, we honor all who have died fighting for the great freedoms we enjoy in the United States. We give thanks and extend our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of all who have died in service and all who serve our great nation today.
Who do you remember for their service? What's your story? Let's honor them by celebrating them here!
I honor a Mission Viejo neighbor and Afghanistan/Iraq soldier (Sgt Jason Peto), who died after a roadside bomb blew up under them.
James, we all have friends and family who have served. Jason should always be remembered for his service and good to have friends like you who do!
Thank you Jim,
I watched the PBS program last night honoring members of all the military branches some spoke that were WWII vets. I am so proud of your Dad, all my brothers and both of Dad's brothers. The legacy of our family and many others before and now that continue to insure that we live in the greatest country the USA. Your writings are so good Jim, Thank you, you continue to touch my heart and I am so blessed.
We have a large family filled with years of military service. We salute them all.