Memorial Day in Roswell, Georgia

Memorial Day is a time of reflection to honor Americans that were killed in action protecting our freedoms in all wars. Memorial Day was made a federal holiday in 1971. It takes place on the last Monday in May. It's a day to put aside political differences and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while standing up for our country.

This patriotic holiday is full of fun and educational events. My children understand why we observe this holiday and it taught them about our countries great heritage. I am proud of the fact that they have grown up respecting those who serve in the military. I know that there are people in our country that don't respect the military. Our Viet Nam veterans returned from a war that was greatly debated by our college students back in the late 60's early 70's. There were no parades and celebrations to mark their return. I hope we never treat our military boys that way again.

Most towns of any size usually have a program or parade to celebrate and remember those who died in service to our country. Usually a decorated veteran speaks and they sing patriotic songs or dedicate a memorial to honor local soldiers, some even recite President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. I remember having to recite that famous speech in 5^th grade. Four score and seven years ago...but Lincoln was wrong when he said "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here..."

Our town celebrates something called "Roswell Remembers" which is the largest Memorial Day celebration in Georgia. This year 2009 Colonel Benjamin H. Purcell will speak. Colonel Purcell is a decorated Viet Nam War veteran and former POW. All the activities with "Roswell Remembers" will take place at City Hall and starts at 10am and goes well into the afternoon with food served after the festivities usually around 1pm.

This holiday has always been an opportunity for my children to talk and listen to those in our society that were present at history making events, which has made a great impression on them since they have had the opportunity to talk with someone who saw history first hand.

It also informs young men and women about the proud traditions of our armed forces. They get to see first hand how the veterans of this country are disciplined, courageous, and brave. What better role models could they have?

It's also a time when we socialize with our friends, enjoy good food or picnic and just relax. We live in a beautiful town were the green space is plentiful, but sometimes folks here go to a nearby military cemetery, as it has added history on which to reflect. The cemetery is located in nearby Marietta, Georgia.

We have always displayed the American flag on Memorial Day. The one my family display's is the flag my mom got when my father died. I have instructed my kids on how to properly display the flag. How it should be hung and what happens to it when it gets tattered and worn. Hopefully it reminds them not to take our freedoms for granted.

I have two sons and each will get a flag that has been handed down to me. This year military holidays take on an even greater significance, as my youngest daughter and her husband move to his base in Japan.

We plan, as always, to take advantage of this Memorial Day by observing it together as a family. My wish is that everyone would let our patriotic holidays become a time of closeness to celebrate our great country and honor those who served or died.