Dear Editor – Jerry Evans
A Letter to the Editor from Jerry Evans of East Jordan
The true meaning of Memorial Day is all but forgotten. Memorial Day is not Flag Day, the Fourth of July, Armed Forces Day or Veterans Day.
It’s a day to remember the war dead and you don’t do that with parades, picnics, pompous speeches, brass bands or hype for the current war. “Celebration” and “Memorial” are not synonyms and the day was intended for visiting cemeteries, not beaches or amusement parks. The degrading of the event began decades ago when the federal-employee unions persuaded Congress to make federal holidays into three-day weekends and it was a stupid decision that has decreased the value of the concept of patriotism. Not many Americans are really patriotic anymore and, for some, it’s saluting whichever cheap politician happens to be in occupying the White House or rooting for whatever the current war happens to be.
It doesn’t seem to matter if the war is just or unjust or if the politician is honest or a devious liar. We are all going to die, but it has always seemed the worst death is the unnecessary death. It should be the goal of American politicians to never send young men and women to an unnecessary war and that means you don’t go to war against a country that is not a threat to the US. No American takes an oath to defend a foreign country or overthrow a foreign tyrant. We take an oath to defend our Constitution and our Country and nothing else. American patriotism has become so diluted that when politicians publicly proclaim “undying support” for a foreign country, we don’t even give it a second thought or remind them that they are Americans in America running for an American office to represent and serve the American people. If they love a foreign country more than their own, then they are free to emigrate, but they should not be free to sacrifice the lives of young Americans on behalf of any foreign country.
Memorial Day should be a solemn and sad day as we remember all the young men and women who were denied the joys of a normal lifespan. War is vicious and cruel, but whether the war is just or unjust, necessary or unnecessary, those who die in it die honorably in service of their country. Never blame the soldier for the politician’s war, and never allow anyone else to do so in your presence. This Memorial Day, while attending services in our communities and cemeteries, we all need to show respect to all who repose there by conducting ourselves in a solemn and dignified manner and being aware of where we stand or set during the ceremonies that honor those who have answered the final call.
