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Saturday, May 28, 2011

On Memorial Day: Honoring our Fallen Heroes

On Monday, May 30th, this year, we Americans, at home and abroad, will remember our valiant veterans, our beloved men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, who have served and sacrificed their lives fighting to preserve peace and democracy, and the freedom we enjoy today.

On this very special day, we pay solemn tribute to our fallen heroes of war and peace, whose noble deeds and good intentions made America the land, and leader, of the free world.

As we gather together, offering our prayers and flowers at the resting places of our deceased loved ones, we can't help but reflect on the many contributions they have made and all the hardships and sacrifices they have encountered so that we may live free and enjoy the fruits of liberty and democracy.

According to Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, the first Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was held on May 30, 1868, on order of General John Alexander Logan (1826-1886), an American soldier and politician from Illinois, for the purpose of decorating the graves/tombs of the American Civil War veterans with flowers, wreaths and U.S. flags. But, after World War II, the holiday commemoration was modified to include all American soldiers who lost their lives in all wars. It continued to be observed on May 30, until 1971 when most U.S. states changed the date to a newly-established federal schedule of holiday observance. Finally, the U.S. Congress has declared or designated the last Monday of May, every year, as Memorial Day.

Thus, on Memorial Day, it is fitting and appropriate that we set aside a few moments from our daily routine to honor, pray for, and give thanks to our fallen military heroes and comrades who paid the ultimate sacrfice. And, to them all, we say, "May your legacy live on and on..."

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