CLEVELAND, May 28 — The following is a statement from BLET National President Don M. Hahs on Memorial Day:
To many people, especially the nation’s thousands of combat veterans, Memorial Day, which has a history stretching back all the way to the Civil War, is an important reminder of those who died in the service of their country
The meaning of Memorial Day needs to be taught to future generations. We need to show others by our actions that we will not forget. You don’t have to believe in war or support military action to honor our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and neighbors who died in service to their country.
The men and women who we honor on this Memorial Day exemplify the heart and spirit that have made this nation great for the past 227 years. The brave men and women who have given their lives for the freedoms that we enjoy, and whom have died around the world in the pursuit of freedom for others, deserve the gratitude of each and every citizen of this nation.
For many veterans of World War II, this Memorial Day is a special one. Nearly 60 years after this war ended, these brave men and women are finally being honored with a monument on the National Mall. These men and women are members of a group that is know as the “Greatest Generation,” and the sacrifices that they made both in conflict and here at home have gone largely unacknowledged until now. This memorial is a fitting reminder of all who served and died in this war that shaped the world as we know it today.
Each day when we turn on the evening news, we are reminded that there are still Americans dying in the name of this country. Whether one believes in the necessity of the current conflicts or not, we still must honor the sacrifice that is being made by our troops. We must keep these brave young men and women in our hearts and prayers on this and every day.
So, on this solemn day, I urge all of you to take just a few moments to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day, and wish you and your families a safe and meaningful day.