The soldier who salutes the flag

An important tradition in my family is attending the Memorial Day service at the Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls. For as long as I can remember, I've sat in the same place under the same tall oak tree with my parents, grand parents and siblings. I might be mistaken, but I think this might actually be the 32nd consecutive year of my attendance. It was Isaiah's 4th.

Memorial Day is important to us because many of our relatives have served in the military. Both of my grandfathers were World War II veterans. Both have passed away and left a legacy of love for our country. Aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. have also faithfully served our country.

This American holiday has become many things. It marks the beginning of summer with a long weekend, picnics, great sales and other Memorial Day specials. Unfortunately, many of these annual celebrations have very little to do with what the holiday was intended to be.

After the American Civil War, Decoration Day was created to officially recognize the Union soldiers that fell during the Civil War. The term decoration day comes from the act of decorating graves with flowers, something my Grandma Audrey Black continues to do on this special day (and others). By the 20th century, this day had been used to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. It became a common celebration after World War II and the name was officially changed to "Memorial Day" in 1967. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from it's traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.

Aside from a powerful keynote speaker, the moment that caught my eye during today's ceremony was during the Croix Chordsmen choir compilation of hymns representing each branch of the military. Servicemen from each branch appropriately stood at attention when their song was played. About ten chairs occupied by veterans sat alone beneath the American flag in front of the stage. When "The Army Goes Rolling Along" was sung, all of them quickly rose to their feet, stood proudly with their chest puffed out, head held high and saluted the flag. All, except for one gentleman. This old man labored hard to rise to his feet and suddenly fell back into his chair. He did the best he could to scoot his 90+ year old body to the front of the chair and grab a hold of the one next to him. He put all of his effort into raising to his feet, as if his life depended on it. I could sense him rushing to do so while his song played. He made it to his feet for a moment before all of the men became seated in unison.

It was subtle, and I might be one of the only people who noticed, however, I saw a man who had put his life on the line for my freedom when he was young and able bodied maintain the same commitment to the United States of America despite being only a remnant of the man that he once was. I was humbled and moved because in that moment, it was clear to me that he would do it all again. That's what Memorial Day is about.

We've lost our way as a nation many times, however, those who protect our freedoms have not.

It is the Soldier, not the minister, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is The Soldier, not the reporter,who has given us freedom of the press.
It is The Soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is The Soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate.
It is The Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is The Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the protester to burn the flag.

The Soldier by Charles M. Province