One thousand soldiers of the Third U.S. Infantry’s “Old Guard” carefully placed small American flags on a quarter-million graves at Arlington Cemetery yesterday – on Thursday, before Memorial Day.
Memorial Day – originally called “Decoration Day” – is our opportunity for a day of remembrance of those who died while defending our Nation and its values. Each of us has the opportunity to make Memorial Day mean much more than just another of the three-day federal holidays:
Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon – and fly the POW – MIA flag.
And, at 3 o’clock this Monday afternoon – pause – for the “National Moment of Remembrance.”
Hopefully in your community, flags will decorate the graves.
And perhaps we will observe “Decoration Day” as it began in May of 1868: To renew the pledge to aid and assist those disabled veterans – the widow – and the orphan. As the Civil War general said, “They are left among us – as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude.”
Please set aside this one day out of the year as the Nation gathers – to remember – reflect – and honor – those who have given everything in service to Country.
It only takes a few moments to keep the memory of Memorial Day alive for your children – to honor the sacrifice of past generations.
Thank you for taking the time to remember Memorial Day.
May God bless you and your family. May God bless those who sacrifice for our Country – and as always, may God bless Texas.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. represents the majority of Denton County, Cooke County, and parts of suburban Dallas and Fort Worth in the 26th District.
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