Before we start our summers, the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27 wants us to remember the real reason we observe Memorial Day. The organization is the sponsor of this year’s ceremony.
But, the words spoken at last year’s event still ring true. “We are here to honor our fallen comrades,” said John Johnson, a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3111 and a Vietnam War Army veteran who served as the master of ceremonies in 2013. “Each and every one of us owes a huge debt to those who came before us. We are here to attempt repayment in the form of remembrance.”
We may never be able to replace these lives,” he said. But, we can honor them.
“There is strength in numbers,” Johnson said. “Right always overcomes wrong.”
He challenged those attending the service last year to thank vets for their service. “Above all, thank God for each brave soldier who gave their life for your freedom.”
Memorial Day takes place on the final Monday of each May and was originally known as Decoration Day. It was born after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in that bitter conflict. By the 20th century, it had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
This year, we should all be encouraged to gather in Veteran’s Memorial Circle at the Great Bend Municipal Cemetery at 10 a.m. Monday for this year’s ceremony.
Dale Hogg