On this Memorial Day of May 25, 2015 it is noble and appropriate to have at least one post on the meaning of this federal holiday! Graduates from all colleges and universities, including St Johns, have participated in the United States Military either in peacetime or war.
Not to be confused with Veterans Day, the latter began at the close of World War I which was the great "war to end all wars"! This day is celebrated in November of each year.
Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day when people would honor the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It began in approximately 1868 just after the Civil War. Since St Johns was founded in 1870, it has been in existence since almost every Memorial Day!
The Civil War, IMVHO, was our worst war because every time a bullet struck it was an American boy who was killed. But that conflict, as all others, demonstrated the love, mercy and forgiveness that is so keenly interwoven with the fabric of America and the American military. America is not a perfect country. But it is a great country!
Isn't is worth noting that every once "enemy"
of America has become a dear ally? From England and France, to Spain and Mexico, to Germany, Italy and Japan, to Vietnam...the American magnanimity converted the foe to friend. The reason: our values.
Ulysses Grant, West Point Class of 1843, allowed General Lee and all Confederate officers to maintain their Sabres, horses and dignity. He allowed southern soldiers to return to their farms, fields and families. There was neither vengeance nor penalty. All were welcomed back as Americans.
The same mercy was shown under the leadership of General Eisenhower West Point Class of 1915. After World War II, it was America and our soldiers who provided the stability, structure, materials for the displaced millions of people. Whether it was a simple gesture of a candy bar to a child, a pack of smokes to a man, a hug and a kiss to a lady, or more significant contributions of food, shelter, medical supplies, our troops provided the hope for these nations ravaged by the war.
Yes our land is not so perfect. She has her critics and detractors. But America is great. A nation of many facets but high among them are faith, hope and charity. We have displayed these saintly virtues after every war.
And on Memorial Day, way beyond the barbecues and beach parties, we remember all those spirits and soldiers who gave their lives. I enjoy St Johns' basketball and our posts about wins and recruits. But in the grander scheme of life, it is our military and our people who deserve the glory.
And so I salute the graduates of St Johns and my alma mater at West Point who served our land. Free and brave. Not perfect. But great!
I am a fortunate man!
SS&G
God bless.......
Not to be confused with Veterans Day, the latter began at the close of World War I which was the great "war to end all wars"! This day is celebrated in November of each year.
Memorial Day was first known as Decoration Day when people would honor the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. It began in approximately 1868 just after the Civil War. Since St Johns was founded in 1870, it has been in existence since almost every Memorial Day!
The Civil War, IMVHO, was our worst war because every time a bullet struck it was an American boy who was killed. But that conflict, as all others, demonstrated the love, mercy and forgiveness that is so keenly interwoven with the fabric of America and the American military. America is not a perfect country. But it is a great country!
Isn't is worth noting that every once "enemy"
of America has become a dear ally? From England and France, to Spain and Mexico, to Germany, Italy and Japan, to Vietnam...the American magnanimity converted the foe to friend. The reason: our values.
Ulysses Grant, West Point Class of 1843, allowed General Lee and all Confederate officers to maintain their Sabres, horses and dignity. He allowed southern soldiers to return to their farms, fields and families. There was neither vengeance nor penalty. All were welcomed back as Americans.
The same mercy was shown under the leadership of General Eisenhower West Point Class of 1915. After World War II, it was America and our soldiers who provided the stability, structure, materials for the displaced millions of people. Whether it was a simple gesture of a candy bar to a child, a pack of smokes to a man, a hug and a kiss to a lady, or more significant contributions of food, shelter, medical supplies, our troops provided the hope for these nations ravaged by the war.
Yes our land is not so perfect. She has her critics and detractors. But America is great. A nation of many facets but high among them are faith, hope and charity. We have displayed these saintly virtues after every war.
And on Memorial Day, way beyond the barbecues and beach parties, we remember all those spirits and soldiers who gave their lives. I enjoy St Johns' basketball and our posts about wins and recruits. But in the grander scheme of life, it is our military and our people who deserve the glory.
And so I salute the graduates of St Johns and my alma mater at West Point who served our land. Free and brave. Not perfect. But great!
I am a fortunate man!
SS&G
God bless.......
