Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
This day should be a day of remembrance of all those women and men who lost their lives in service to our country. All people should pause to remember these heroes. Memorial Day is not a day to look for consumer sales, buy big screen TVs, new trucks and cars, shop for shorts and sandals, buy red, white and blue paper plates for picnics.
It’s a very special day to remember the fallen. I would hope The Chronicle and the larger community would focus on the history of the day, dedicate articles on local people doing their part to keep the history alive and perhaps write about a Veteran of the Day.
Downplay the consumerism and simply say thank you for what we have because of those who served and are not with us today. Our service members are still dying today. Don’t forget what our nation’s soldiers and peacekeepers are doing right now around the world and at home.
Daniel Barth
Centralia
