Memorial Day still warrants deep respect

Seeing combat footage shot during World War II skirmishes and sea battles will tell newer generations that our fathers and grandfathers endured many hardships and lacked some of the modern marvels of today’s technology.

Those who have served under the fire of battle know what these soldiers of generations ago faced on a daily basis. Those who have served in a noncombat assignment in the Reserves or National Guard or in the active military may have never stared death in the face, but their anxieties and fears may have been the same. Those who never served in the military, though, never experienced the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and how each battle buddy looks after the other.

Compared to women serving in limited roles during WWII and subsequent wars in Korea and Vietnam, the women soldiers, sailors and airman of today are experiencing a new perspective with their involvement in the military.

The first observance for Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. The United States was trying to heal itself from four bitter years of fighting during the Civil War that cost almost a half-million military lives. Three years after the end of the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic established what was called Decoration Day in order to give family and friends a time to mourn the deceased and to decorate their graves with flowers.

The first Memorial Day crowd at Arlington National Cemetery drew approximately 5,000 people. After World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to recognize those men and women who died in all American wars. Americans also use the day to remember their deceased friends and relatives.

While the original intent of Memorial Day has been to recognize those who died in battle, in later years the ceremony has expanded to include those who served in the military but survived conflict and died of natural causes.

At cemeteries across Northern Nevada on Monday, organizations conducted traditional ceremonies to recognize the deceased. At the Churchill County Cemetery, volunteers including sailors, their families and Boy Scouts planted almost 2,000 flags near the headstones of veterans on Sunday as a prelude to Monday’s remembrance at the cemetery. Other ceremonies were conducted at the Fallon Paiute Shoshone Cemetery and The Gardens.

More than 4,000 people attended the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley to pay respect to their loved ones and to hear Gov. Brian Sandoval speak.

Thousands of flags lined rows in cemeteries in Reno and Carson City.

As Americans, we have lost sight of what this day means. Memorial Day is a solemn time for serious reflection for those who have served this country and gave the ultimate sacrifice — their lives; therefore, it is inappropriate to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day since we are honoring those who have left us.

Editorials written by the LVN Editorial Board appear on Wednesdays.