CLEVELAND, May 23 — The following is a statement by BLE International President Don M. Hahs regarding Memorial Day:
“On the final Monday of May each year, people around the country are given a holiday. Memorial Day is the unofficial beginning of summer.
“But few people ever truly embrace the meaning behind this day. They often forget who were are memorializing.
“The day was once known as Decoration Day because people decorated the graves of their loved ones who served in our nation’s armed forces. These decorations served as reminders of what the day was all about. While this tradition continues in many communities, it has generally fallen by the wayside, replaced with parties and picnics and barbecues.
“But the day must still have meaning for Americans. We must remember why we celebrate this day even in the 21st century. We must remember that the men and women of this nation who have fought bravely in conflicts around the world and here at home for more than 200 years. They have fought to defend freedom, to spread democracy and to spare the world from despots. The U.S. has never sought conquest –only the freedom and rights of all individuals.
“We have fought against tyranny and for freedom all over the world, and, in each case, the U.S. has prevailed, but at a cost.
“In all these conflicts, the lives of Americans were lost. Each of these losses is a sad reminder of the cost of freedom, but in each conflict, young men and women stepped forward to pay the ultimate price for freedom. As a result of their efforts and sacrifices, millions of people around the world now know freedom and democracy.
“The world is still filled with people in power who oppress their fellow humans, however. Men and women are still held down by the chains of tyranny. Americans and the labor movement can not stand idly by. Freedom for all people should continue to be the goal of our nation.
“On this holiday, I ask all BLE members and their families to join me in remembering what this day is all about. On Monday and every day, celebrate the freedom that we have in this country and remember those brave men and women who have died serving our country in wars stretching from the Revolutionary War to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. These men and women fought and died defending and spreading the freedom that we hold dear. They deserve to be remembered and memorialized all year, but especially on the day that has been set aside for this purpose — Memorial Day.
“I would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe holiday.”