“Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions … but …. there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”
We in America could well apply these words of tribute, uttered by Pericles 24 centuries ago, as we commemorate Memorial Day 1982 and reflect on the contribution of our service men and women in the cause of peace and freedom.
Pericles, Athenian statesman and general, was alluding to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War. America has its own heores in abundance. Since the Memorial Day tradition began shortly after the Civil War. some 1.2 million have lost their lives in military struggles from the fields of France to the jungles of Vietnam.
While special Memorial Day focus is given to honor the war dead, the tributes extend to all who served in the cause of freedom. Indeed, the holiday has grown to be a time for decorating the graves of all departed loved ones.
Memorial Day patriotic ceremonies including military rites traditionally are conducted at Arlington, Gettysburg and other national cemeteries and out through the country in countless local burial parks according to local custom.
In some communities small flags are placed on the graves of all war veterans. But the custom varies. For example, in Provo, Utah, among other communities, one section of the cemetery is designated for a holiday memorial consisting of 1,300 massed flags mounted on white crosses bearing names of war veterans buried in the park. The display, arranged cooperatively by the city and veterans organizations, is striking and inspiring.
In a Memorial Day address last year at Indianapolis, Sen. Richard G. Lugar, R-Ind. drew an interesting correlation between two holidays when he said that Independence Day celebrates the birth of freedom in America and Memorial Day “reminds us of the cost of our independence.”
It follows that Memorial Day should be a time not only for remembering but for recommitment to the perpetuation of the freedoms and way of life established through the vision and courageous actions of those who have gone before.