Remembering Memorial Day

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Mark Radio
  • 436th Airlift Wing Chief of Safety
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For many, Memorial Day is the official start of summer and is synonymous with barbeques, parades, pool parties, and fun with family and friends. Now, as Chief of Safety, I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to encourage everyone to enjoy this holiday and long weekend - safely.  But I also want everyone to reflect on why we celebrate this sacred holiday. 

On Memorial Day we remember all American military members who sacrificed their lives in service to our great nation. This is different from Veterans Day - a day to honor all veterans: deceased, living, and those currently serving.  Initially dubbed "Decoration Day," Memorial Day began in May of 1868, three years after the Civil War ended. It was established to pay respects to the Civil War's fallen by decorating their graves with flowers. While there is debate as to where the first observance occurred, the first large observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery. Sometime after World War I, Memorial Day was expanded to honor the fallen of all American wars. Finally, in 1971 Memorial Day officially became a national holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May through an act of Congress. 

Annual ceremonies continue at Arlington National Cemetery - very similar to the first ceremony held 147 years ago. Each year an estimated 5,000 people attend the event where small flags are placed on each grave. Traditionally, the president gives remarks and lays a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in honor of our fallen. 

For many service members, deployments and combat operations are all they've ever known. And after more than 13 years of sustained combat, our nation remains at war. The Dignified Transfer missions that continue to bring our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines to Dover Air Force Base are a stark reminder of that fact. So this Memorial Day, take a moment to consider why we celebrate and what it means - especially as service members. We must never forget or marginalize what Memorial Day represents. Honor their sacrifice by keeping the 'memorial' in Memorial Day.