Memorial Day: remember its real meaning

We’re approaching the first major holiday weekend of the summer season (even though summer isn’t officially here) capped off with Monday’s Memorial Day. So much is scheduled this weekend with alumni banquets, family visits, lake plans and a three-day weekend for most. All of that sometimes clouds the real reason we have Memorial Day—to remember those who served in our military forces and made the ultimate sacrifice.
    It’s my favorite summer holiday for sure—I welcome all of what the weekend brings. But it’s a solemn time, as well, and that’s always reinforced when I’m at the Memorial Day program at Mt. Hope Cemetery. As with most of you, my thoughts turn to those family members who served in the military. For me, that was my dad, a U.S. Marine Forward Observer in WWII.
        Thoughts of him and his military service came back earlier this week, too, as new bricks were being placed at the Chase County Veterans Memorial on the courthouse lawn. A brick in his honor purchased by my seven siblings and me, that proudly states, “We Love You Dad—Bob Gradoville US Marine WWII” was included in the 15 new ones placed in the wall just in time for Memorial Day 2023. Many others here will enjoy seeing their loved ones memorialized with a new brick in the wall, too.
    If you check out our page 1 story you will see there are many Memorial Day programs planned at cemeteries in the are. Take some time on Monday to attend one of them—you will be moved, I can assure you. People have become lax in showing patriotism in this country—it’s time to turn that around.
    I’ll also be at Saturday’s alumni banquet, always a great time to reconnect with former high school students. Even though I didn’t grow up here, it’s been a real joy to get to know high school students over the years and to see them again at alumni events. I must tip my hat to Chase County Alumni Association President Marlon Kunnemann, who always remembers what this weekend is all about as he emcees the alumni banquet program. He always takes time during the program to ask all who are in the military or who have served to stand up and be recognized.
    We have a fun weekend ahead—but remember why we have it. Thank those who you see who have served, those who survived to come home. Not all were that lucky—that’s why we have Memorial Day.