MEANING OF MEMORIAL DAY
Meaning of Memorial Day
I have approached this subject several times over the years, Memorial Day is not the official start of summer, nor should it be the reason for a three day long weekend of parties, barbecues or car sales.
Memorial Day has had several names over the 150 years of its existence however the reason for Memorial Day stays the same. The day is for honoring and showing respect for those who have been killed while serving in the military, beginning with the Civil War through current military engagements.
Over the years Memorial Day has diminished as a national holiday and has became the unofficial start of summer and big box store specials. Why has it gotten to that point?
Simply stated people don’t seem to care as much as they have in the past. With only 10% of the American population having served in the military, the other 90% seems to have forgotten what the actual cost of freedom is, those who have given their lives.
Cemeteries will have small American Flags placed on the final resting places of our warriors and American Flags should be flown at half staff from dawn until noon at which time they will be brought back to full staff (or to the top of the pole).
To properly bring the Flag to the half staff position the flag should be raised to the upper most position on the staff and then lowered to the half way position.
Now you should have some idea as to what Memorial Day represents and what respect and dignity the day should be shown.
There are a several events which you may want to attend over the weekend. Number one being the ceremony which will be held at Sarasota National Cemetery on the 27th, starting at 1:30 pm.
The MC will be none other than Maverick from 106.5 CTQ and the key note speaker who served in the military will not be announced until the day prior for security reasons. Parking will be at Twin Lakes Park on Clark Road and busing will be provided. For more information call (941) 922-7200.
Other events for the 28th would be the parade in downtown Sarasota which starts at Main and Osprey Avenue at 10 am.
Or the 7th Annual Tampa Defenders Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs ride to the Florida National Cemetery at Bushnell. Riders should gather at the rest area on I-75 north of the I-275 & I-75 junction north of Tampa. Kick stands up promptly at 9:30 am. This will be a 31 miles run to the cemetery. I have made this run several times and will again this year. Any groups who intend to participate please contact Ron Rook at (813) 453-6431 or rookrp@verizon.net. For more information go to http://tampa.defenderslemc.org/.
Please say a special prayer for those who we have lost over the years. God Bless America and those who serve in uniform. It’s not about the war; it’s about those who serve to protect us.
Terry Longpre