Remembering Sacrifices Others Made for Our Freedoms

For many Americans, Memorial Day weekend is a symbol of growth and the welcoming of summer. I do not disagree that the holiday weekend is a great way to usher in the sun, warmer weather and time with family and friends. But lest we forget, this weekend has a much greater meaning for the health and history of our great nation…

Memorial Day, holds a much greater and solemn meaning for the United States. After arguably the bloodiest war in our nation’s history, the Civil War, that pitted brother against brother, many Civil War veterans banded together to establish Declaration Day on the last Monday in May. It was to honor all of the Union and Confederate soldiers who split blood in that divisive conflict. Two World Wars later, Declaration Day became Memorial Day to honor all of our brave men and women who have fought on behalf of our freedom. 

It is a testament to the growth of our nation, as we went from a provincial power to saving the free world in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Our country stood in defiance against imperialism, slavery, fascism and communism to facilitate young democracies and capitalist societies grow and flourish, and achieve the very rights and equality that we sometimes take for granted today.

This gives us the opportunity to reflect and give thanks for all Americans who braved to wear the uniform in service of a grateful nation, and to those families who experienced the ultimate sacrifice of never seeing family members return home from combat.

Our nation’s liberties and our most sacred document, the Constitution, have been defended because of the commitments veterans throughout the years have made. 

Thomas Jefferson once wrote, and I paraphrase,“the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots.” 

It is our sacred vow as public officials and citizens to honor such a heavy price paid by so many Americans.  Let us take a moment today to thank our grandparents, parents, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers who have worn the uniform and remember what they have given us.

Let us not forget to wish those in active duty a safe return home from duty as we are engaged in two major wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as several operations throughout the world.  It is also a time to honor those in civil service, such as teachers, fire fighters, police officers and the countless federal, state and municipal employees that dedicated their careers to making our community a vibrant place.

This should also give us a chance to reflect upon the successes of our nation, whether it was establishing independence, defeating slavery, saving the world from tyranny, fighting for equality in the civil rights and women’s rights movement, or more recently with bring Osama Bin Laden to justice and combating fanatical terrorism at home and abroad.  It proves that together, our nation can achieve the greatest ends in human endeavors.

To all of the veterans, young and old, in active duty or retired, and to your families, I thank you on behalf of the Town of Stratford.  God bless all of our veterans, and God bless America.  Have a safe and healthy Memorial Day.