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Monday, May 28, 2012 | 2:02 a.m.
For me, Memorial Day is about more than summer road trips and barbecues.
For more than 26 years, I served our country alongside my fellow federal workers in NASA, the Air Force and the Army. In addition to serving every American, one of the federal workforce’s greatest responsibilities is to support and equip our nation’s men and women in uniform. My civil servant colleagues and I felt a great responsibility to provide the best that we were able for our civilian and military personnel and troops. We mourned deeply each time we learned of a fallen soldier because each of us had one or more family members in the military.
So to me, Memorial Day is sacred. On behalf of America’s federal workers — half of whom work directly with our nation’s military — we salute our fallen heroes and thank the men and women who are currently serving around the world to defend the United States. I honor their great courage, dedication and sacrifices. The freedom they help me have is a precious gift to me.
Bless them now and forevermore.
There are many ways for Americans to serve their country and community and fellow men and women. Memorial Day is sacred because we should honor and pay tribute to Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice: Gave their lives all over the world for the love of country and others over everything else.
Carmine A. DiFazio
In reply to Nancy A. Waldron; truly, thank you for your many years of dedicated service. When I was a novice just out of Marine Corps boot camp back in the early 1970's, I took for granted what support groups provided for us "ground pounders". However, as I began to experience realities and gain wisdom, that taking for granted bit went away real quick.
From military intelligence from satellites, to communication and weapons systems, replenishing huge amounts of necessities, and all the way to the people who delivered our mail, and those who provided us a periodic "hot meal" in the field; all the logistical support teams were not only essential to our survival, but priceless to our continued strong psychological state.
Logistical support personnel at many times faced a great many dangers that were definitely hazardous, risky, and frightening moments for them. It was an odd kind of self-interest that consumed these types of personnel. They did it for, "all for us", the soldiers. Again, thank you!!!
Memorial Day is sacred, especially for many of us who remember that our liberty and freedom comes at a cost. This is a time that our nation sets aside for citizens to collectively reflect, mourn, and give our heartfelt gratitude to those who have given the ultimate price.
Upon thinking about the past, over 50 years ago, Memorial Day was a solemn time. All government agencies, stores, theaters, car and furniture dealerships and attractions were CLOSED in respect of the fallen. It grieves me to no end that over the years, this very contemplative day of remembrance, is reason for people to "vacation" and revel in wanton disregard. The whole reason for Memorial Day has become lost on many. What would those who gave their lives say about the behaviors today?
When I was a very young child, my family used to go to my Grandma Petersen's old folks home to help her out. There, in my youth, I became acquainted with the tragedies of war by the personal accounts of aging and fragile Veterans who occupied this home. Over a lifetime, their stories become more present, as we continue to see how our American society, that they defended and fought for, some giving the ultimate sacrifice, in HOW we remember and honor them.
For me, Memorial Day is a time of remembrance and mourning, and I can never live through this particular time without experiencing great grief and sorrow. Somebody's son, daughter, brother, sister, husband, wife, family member, or friend, is gone forever. Somehow, I just can't bring myself to celebrate with BBQs or irrelevant events. There have been too many lost, in my life, as well as many others. All that is left are "memories".
May we never forget nor be disrespectful of those who have served our country and for the sake of world peace. I pray these benevolent souls great reward for their selfless sacrifice for our and the future citizens of this planet's behalf.
Thankfully, there are those who still remember, still honor our fallen patriots, and demonstrate undying gratitude towards those who have honorable served our nation and the world, believing liberty, freedom, and peace, were worth sacrificing their lives for.
Blessings and Peace,
Star