Honor where honor is due

Today's readings are from Ezekiel 1, 2, 3, 4

Most of what I'm thinking about today is concerning Memorial Day. I had several Uncles who were WWII and Korean War Veterans. My father did not go into the service because of his leg, but I remember my Uncles silence when it came to the horrors of war and realized the cost of their commitment to serve in our nation's military. Each Memorial Day I'm struck by the need to show honor to these men and women who have given "the ultimate sacrifice" for their country.

Memorial Day began to honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was first officially declared May 5, 1868 by a proclamation for May 30th as the day of observance.

Over 20 places claim to be the first to have observed "Decoration Day" beginning as early as April of 1866. One hundred years later for its' centennial, Waterloo, NY was named by President Johnson and Congress as the "birthplace" of Memorial Day.

After World War I, Memorial Day began to honor the fallen from all American wars. It wasn't until 1971 that Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May. On December 28, 2000, President Clinton signed the "National Moment of Remembrance Act," which designates 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance, "in honor of the men and women of the United States who have died in pursuit of peace and freedom.

There are no ceremonies that can either adequately express the thanks of a grateful people, or pay adequate honor for their sacrifice in behalf of freedom - but today we honor and say thank you.


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