As we enjoy the parties, swimming pools and barbecues this three-day weekend, we must first abide in the words of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who once said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy, forget in time that men have died to win them.”
Memorial Day was first established on May 30, 1868 — then known as Decoration Day — to honor soldiers who died in the Civil War. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan designated the day so flowers would be in bloom and could decorate the graves of those who died in the war.
Every year since, Americans have paused to pay tribute to that family member, neighbor, co-worker, best friend, teammate or classmate who “answered the call” over the years, but never returned to enjoy the benefits of his or her dedication to this country.
