A Deep Reverence for Sacrifice in this Memorial Day
“That Nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”
– Brevet Lieut.-Col. Edmund B. Whitman, 1868
Somehow, today I came back to read Daniel Webster’s First Bunker Hill Oration, delivered on June 17, 1825 and some other excerpts and I thought why am I reading this today? Memorial Day speeches often referenced the Revolutionary War and iconic addresses like Webster’s, linking the sacrifice of Civil War soldiers back to the founding battles of the nation. It speaks about how many fought the battles that were unseen and never left their post behind. Webster’s Bunker Hill set set precedent “the speech helped establish a template for American memorial oration. It framed the act of visiting and reflecting on the graves of fallen heroes as a unifying, sacred national duty.
Memorial Day traditions often echo the sentiments of the Bunker Hill orations. Later prominent leaders, such as General James A. Garfield during his notable Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868, explicitly drew upon the legacy of Bunker Hill to inspire the nation.” -National Park Service (.gov)
“I love to believe that no heroic sacrifice is ever lost; that the characters of men are molded and inspired by what their fathers have done; that treasured up in American souls are all the unconscious influences of the great deeds of the Anglo-Saxon race, from Agincourt to Bunker Hill. It was such an influence that led a young Greek, two thousand years ago, when musing on the battle of Marathon, to exclaim, “the trophies of Miltiades will not let me sleep!” Could these men be silent in 1861; these, whose ancestors had felt the inspiration of battle on every field where civilization had fought in the last thousand years? Read their answer in this green turf. Each for himself gathered up the cherished purposes of life—its aims and ambitions, its dearest affections—and flung all, with life itself, into the scale of battle.
And now consider this silent assembly of the dead. What does it represent? Nay, rather, what does it not represent? It is an epitome of the war. Here are sheaves reaped in the harvest of death, from every battlefield of Virginia. If each grave had a voice to tell us what its silent tenant last saw and heard on earth, we might stand, with uncovered heads, and hear the whole story of the war. We should hear that one perished when the first great drops of the crimson shower began to fall, when the darkness of that first disaster at Manassas fell like an eclipse on the Nation; that another died of disease while wearily waiting for winter to end; that this one fell on the field, in sight of the spires of Richmond, little dreaming that the flag must be carried through three more years of blood before it should be planted in that citadel of treason; and that one fell when the tide of war had swept us back till the roar of rebel guns shook the dome of yonder Capitol, and re-echoed in the chambers of the Executive Mansion. We should hear mingled voices from the Rappahannock, the Rapidan, the Chickahominy, and the James; solemn voices from the Wilderness, and triumphant shouts from the Shenandoah, from Petersburg, and the Five Forks, mingled with the wild acclaim of victory and the sweet chorus of returning peace. The voices of these dead will forever fill the land like holy benedictions.
What other spot so fitting for their last resting place as this under the shadow of the Capitol saved by their valor? Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope and fear and agony of their country centered; here let them rest, asleep on the Nation’s heart, entombed in the Nation’s love!” -National Park Service (.gov)
A day where as history.com mentions: “It was first established to honor fallen Civil War soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers. Evolution: After World War I, it was expanded to honor all American service members who have died in any conflict. Memorial Day honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice. As National Park Service says: “Memorial Day is a time of remembrance for those who lost their lives while serving in the US military. There are many monuments and memorials in national parks to reflect on military service and sacrifice throughout our nation’s history. It is also traditionally a time to reflect on American values by learning about our natural and cultural heritage, visiting historic places” Memorial Day speeches often referenced the Revolutionary War and iconic addresses like Webster’s, linking the sacrifice of Civil War soldiers back to the founding battles of the nation.”
Every year, they find themselves burdened with the expense of observing and supplying unnecessary circulation, even in the imprudence and inattention of people. They are compelled to fulfill all demands, values, circulate, replenish, and commonly receive tribute. The extraordinary, nearly equally abundant bareness of the earth, the strongest bodies, and those who enjoy health, a wholesome regimen, and the greatest advantages of a nation can only be achieved by those who have fought and sacrificed. Even those who did not return home and became inhabitants of every country they fought in, they are all part of a system that seems to suppose an independent state. This system accommodates a large number of those who once served, and the truth is yet to be fully published, which renders and represents perfect liberty. By bringing the greatest possibilities, distinguished by a number of admirers, they have removed oppression from others, without any restraints. This is not greater than the work they had and the sacrifices they made for the land. The land has provided support for those who fought, for those who established justice, for the appointed, for those who remained, and for those who gave their lives instead of those who lost their lives in the fight. For those who preserved, persevered, and were not blind, they took upon their duties. They were not increased or diminished but fought the good fight. For those who took an oath and said, “I shall do the best of my ability to continue, protect, and defend,” they were interlined and tried their best. We raise a memorial conviction, unmeasured, but with such endurance that it has brought a light of peace and may it rest forever. Such a benefit has been conferred upon our nation, our land, and our home. A happy influence has been produced by events that are generally in the interest of mankind.
Where do one connects to the other, we forget how hard it becomes for those who go out to the battle, we see and we hear but we do not realize that battles are fought, many die, some remembered and some not, but no one runs yet under extreme valiancy they continue to the end. It is a time to remember that these are individuals that left it all behind some come home, and for those fallen soldiers where we honor and reflect in their graves for serving, being valiant an truly become fallen heroes defending who we have become an extraordinary nation. I write not because I have a nephew, cousins or family who serves in different branches as well as friends in other countries but because I, too would love to rub off that valiancy, courage, the love in which they were willing to give their lives for this country. The love that does not set a border, but is willing to go forward no matter what, respect. A reflection as one reads or visits the National Parks in memory of the fallen.
I loved a piece of what I was reading and rephrased a bit but essential “May this reflection underscore the profound significance and enduring relevance of these events to all generations. We earnestly hope that infants may discern the purpose that weary and aged individuals may perceive it and find solace in the memories it evokes. We extend our wishes that laborers may look up and derive pride from their labor. We anticipate that during those challenging times of adversity, which nations must inevitably encounter, despondent patriotism will turn its gaze upward and be assured that the bedrock of our nation’s strength remains steadfast. Consequently, it may also foster a sense of gratitude.”
In the Inaugural address of January 20, 1961of John F Kennedy and excerpt of what he said:
“In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.
Now the trumpet summons us again–not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need–not as a call to battle, though embattled we are– but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”–a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease and war itself.
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility–I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it–and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country.
My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own. -JFK
Love just love
“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.” – General Norman Schwarzkopf Jr.
“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – Harry S. Truman
Jane Goodall said: “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Ref
Picture Unsplash
History.com
National Park Services .-nps.gov/media
writology.com
IT ALL STARTS WITH LOVE: FAITH, BELIEF, HOPE 
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