Today is the day for remembering.

Monday, May 29, 2000

Today is the day for remembering. For some of us, that will mean a select spot along the Memorial Day Parade route and an afternoon picnic for family and friends.

In many back yards in Lawrence County today, if the weather holds, there will be family gatherings, reunions and other events to commemorate homecomings of all sorts.

There will be good food, reminiscing and games. There will be happy children and warm greetings for friends and family.

And, with all the fun today, we might easily forget the reason behind the celebration.

Thousands of men and women serve today in the armed services. They risk their lives daily to make sure that we can live in a country that is free.

Thousands more have given their lives in the jungles of Southeast Asia, on Europe’s shores, in Korea and in the sands of the Persian Gulf.

These brave men and women took up arms to defend the principles of freedom on which our country was founded – even if that meant traveling thousands of miles across the ocean to defend people they had never met in a country that did not belong to them. All they knew was that it was an honor to serve a country they loved.

They did not know they would never see home again.

As you watch the parade today, place your hand on your heart as the flag goes by and remember the men and women who wore a uniform and gave their lives so that you could be free.

And, as you gather for your family’s homecoming, remember those soldiers who could not come home to their parents, loved ones and friends – and say a little prayer of thanks.

Their sacrifice is one that should never be forgotten – and a debt that can only be repaid by remembering.