Memorial Day Insight

Memorial Day is one of the holidays that have been around for quite a while. This day was declared a national holiday after the American Civil War. As time past, Memorial Day fell on the last Monday in the month of May. This day was for the heroic men and women of the United States of America who fought for the nation's freedom and risked their lives in doing so. Today's generation of soldiers are also going through major conflicts with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the best and immense U.S. Army bases in the United States is Fort Bragg, North Carolina home of the Airborne and Special Operation Forces. An interview was conducted with one of the backbone of the Army, a soldier that represents enlisted personnel that make it happen, enlisted personnel from this post to let the world know what Memorial Day means to them.

Staff Sergeant Langford of 186^th Quartermaster Detachment/189^th CSSB is a two time veteran with the war in Iraq. Deploying once to Baghdad and Al Taqqadum, he is a true Noncommissioned Officer. Now on his way to become something great and highly needed in the military, his career as an Army Recruiter will soon begin.

Q: How do you feel about Memorial Day?

A: Well, first of all, I really looked at it as a holiday more that a resemblance of the nation. Second, I know it is a day to celebrate, but I have soldiers always asking me how they should spend their free weekends. Now that you mention Memorial Day, I always respected the men and women of the Unites States and knew that it was a 4-day pass for the weekend.

Q: You mentioned that you looked forward to Memorial Day as a holiday more than recognizing why the holiday was made, why?

A: Don't get me wrong, I know what it means ok? I know what the day means to all the people, especially the veterans and I respect that but not much has come to my mind. I am a veteran matter of fact. It of course means freedom and for everyone to just stop and realize how much this nation suffered and lost. Now that you inspired me with this interview, I'll celebrate it with more knowledge and why Memorial Day came to be. I recognize it as a way of how this nation is so great. Period.

Q: What do your soldiers think about this holiday?

A: Here we go, what my soldiers think? It's nothing more than a drinking holiday to them. And believe me I know that's what most of the soldiers right now in this very Army thinks it is. Every Memorial Day, we always have a 4-day pass that is offered to us and everyone takes it, but we don't work on Friday through Monday so we come back Tuesday and there are a lot of DUI's out there and accidents on the road. We always have this safety briefing that lasts about 3 hours just before the weekend hits. This safety briefing is mandatory for everyone to teach them what not to do on the upcoming holiday.

Q: If it was up to you, as a leader, what would you have your soldiers do to keep in their minds the true meaning of Memorial Day?

A: As a leader and a Noncommissioned Officer (NCO), it is always my duty to ensure the proper instructions and discipline of my soldiers. If it was up to me to plan some of the events that are being held for Memorial Day, boy oh boy, I'll make everyone come to formation on that day and go to the annual ceremonies they hold here at the Sandhills Memorial Cemetery. I would give them counseling's for attending and what they have learned. Not every NCO thinks that way, believe me.

Q: In conclusion, because of this interview, you actually deeply thought about Memorial Day. Right? What do you have to say for the veterans out there that was involved in making Memorial Day memorable?

A: Yes, until today I haven't thought deeply about this matter. I wish that now everyone would just take a few minutes to realize what a beautiful day it is and to look out and just think about the battles and wars that have been fought within and over the nation's soil. How men and women of the United States have risked their lives to make this country the way it is, strong and proud of being called one of the best and how everyone has an opinion that can be heard because of that. Without them and us today during our hardships right now, no one would be so lucky. Thanks to the men and women that serve and support.