Memorial Day more than just a holiday

Most importantly, we take time to acknowledge those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of those freedoms.

Memorial Day represents much more than just a day off work or the holiday weekend that signals the kickoff of summer.  Memorial Day is a hallowed day in our country.
    Memorial Day dates back to the 1860s, following the Civil War. The purpose was to honor fallen soldiers. However, it was not until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
    In 1971, Memorial Day, also called Decoration Day, was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May.
    It’s when we pay homage to all our veterans who served our country to protect and defend our freedoms. Most importantly, we take time to acknowledge those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of those freedoms.
    Since 9/11, our country has been at war against terrorism around the world. Today, that battle wages on as members of our Armed Forces continue to deploy to foreign countries in an effort to bring terrorists to their knees.
    While the losses from the war against terrorism fall far short of the 58,000 lost in Vietnam or more than 400,000 in WWII, every loss of a soldier touches another family.
    For those families,  Memorial Day takes on a new meaning that only they can understand.
    And our service members fight around the world to protect our freedoms, we ironically find ourselves in a fight in this country amongst our own on issues such as the freedom of speech and the right to bear arms.
    The progressive left continues to assail our right to freedom of speech, especially when that speech espouses views far different than theirs.
    And as our country continues to be plagued by mass shootings at schools and in the public square, the left has a simple solution—take away all guns.
    As we reflect this weekend on the sacrifices made by so many, let’s remember those sacrifices were made to protect the freedoms of all Americans!

 

The Imperial Republican

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