Arlington National Cemetary

Memorial Day began as a process of healing from the Civil War. A country that had fought amongst itself for the rights of the states to determine their own paths had left over 600,000 soldiers and sailors among the fallen. Those men and women gave their lives in defense of their nations. Since this time, Decoration Day (as it was known then, for the citizens would "decorate" the tombs of the fallen) has come to include all of the fallen in any conflict and has become one of the most solemn of holidays. It is the only Federal holiday that remembers the dead. Memorial Day and Peace Officers Memorial Day, May 15th, are the only two mandated days to fly the flag at half-mast (unless May 15th is also Armed Forces Day). According to The United States Code, the flags will be raised to full-height at noon today.

The men and women of the armed forces that have paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms and our way of life deserve no less than a few moments out of our day to remember their sacrifices. As a veteran, and a citizen of this great nation, I ask you to simply think about those men and women. And whatever your national origin, religious belief, political views, or social status that you take a moment out of your day to remember and thank those that have died so that you may enjoy the rights that so many live without.