On Memorial Day

The last Monday of May, each year, is designated as Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day to honor the U.S. Armed Sevices personnel killed in wartime, Memorial Day is a legal, federal holiday traditionally marked by parades, memorial services, speeches, ceremonies, and the traditional decorations of graves with flowers and U.S. flags.

According to Funk and Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, the first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868, on order of Gen. John Alexander Logan (1826-1886), an American soldier and politician from Illinois, for the purpose of decorating the graves of the American Civil War dead. It was observed on May 30 until 1971 when most U.S. states changed to a newly-established federal schedule of holiday observances.

On May 28, this year, we remember our brave soldiers and valiant veterans, our dedicated men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who have proudly served, and sacrificed their precious lives, fighting to achieve and/or preserve peace and freedom we now cherish and enjoy.

We know that their good intentions and noble deeds have made America the leader of the free world. Through their ultimate sacrifices, we are all beneficiaries of the democracy, freedom and liberty they've fought and died for. We thank you, veterans, for your service and sacrifices.

So, as we gather together in churches and cemeteries to offer our prayers and lay flowers for our departed loved ones, let's also reflect on the many contributions our soldiers have made to our great nation.

Here's a poem I wrote and was originally published on May 27, 1988, in Pacific Crossroads, while I was stationed in Guam, Marianas Island (a U.S. territory). I humbly dedicate it to our armed forces personnel who lost their lives, especially in the war on terrorism, fighting for freedom and peace throughout the world.

In Loving Memory

With hope and valor

You fought for freedom

Without fear and reservation

You shed tears and blood

To the end...

Committed to defend 

Your country, your home

You fought decisively

Struggled hard to win

Victory...

With so much pain

Sacrifice and suffering

In the service to humanity

You left us a legacy

To cherish and to uphold

That love for one's country

Is worth-dying for!

Gone, but not forgotten

Yet honored and remembered

Today, yesterday, and forever

You, the unsung heroes

The freedom-lovers and fighters

The peacemakers and keepers...

You will always be

Our ideal and inspiration

For a better life-world

Where there's love and unity

Peace and brotherhood

Among humankind!

(c) 2012 by chris a. quilpa

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!