Happy Memorial Day

Posting will be non-existent over the coming weekend, so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy Memorial Day. This year, Memorial Day occurs on Monday, May 28.

Memorial Day was first established by order of Union General Robert Logan in 1868, and was first celebrated on May 30 or the same year. The first state to recognize it was New York, in 1873, and by 1890, all of the Northern states recognized it. It became a national day of remembrance following World War I, when it changed to a day of remembrance for all American war dead, not just those in the Civil War.

On this day, it is a time to consider the sacrifices of this great nations sons and daughters on the field of battle. From the Revolutionary War, through the brother-on-brother bloodshed of the Civil War, the triumphs of the Second World War and the un-announced losses during the Cold War, and continuing today in Iraq and other far-flung duty stations, our soldiers have performed bravely and honorably. As we now are in the first years of a new millenium, I want to express my gratitude and that of my family to those who have stood guard over us, andd to say thank you.

Were it not for these brave men and women, we would now not be able to say we are citizens of the greatest nation on Earth. All the benefits of our society flow directly from these men and women who are willing to lay down their lives that we may enjoy the fruits of freedom. Freedom is not free- only surrender and submission come without a fight. So enjoy your three-day weekend, but don't forget to say thank you to these brave members of American society yourself. Thank you and Happy Memorial Day!