Memorial Day 2010 -- "Recognizing Those Who Gave Their Lives" Published May 27, 2010 By Lt. Col. Richard Stephens 507th Mission Support Group TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Oklahoma -- Editor's Note: The following speech will be given on May 28 at the Veterans Center, Norman Oklahoma, by Lt. Col. Richard Stephens, Jr., U.S. Air Force Reserve Today, we celebrate the 142nd anniversary of Memorial Day-a holiday originally known as Decoration Day. Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. How did Memorial Day come into being? While many communities lay claim to the birth of Memorial Day, it was the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, who proclaimed Decoration Day May 5, 1868. It was proclaimed as a day for citizens to place flowers on the graves of Civil War dead. The nation's first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington D.C. By the end of the 19th century, Decoration Day ceremonies were held across the country on May 30. It was not until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. Then, in 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday. Today, at the Veterans Center, we pay tribute to Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen and Airmen who paid the ultimate price-dying while serving in the armed forces. Each life given during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War and all other conflicts were precious to the families and friends of those who died. The size of the battles and casualties in our current war on terrorism are fewer than those in the past. For example, in WWI, between November1917-November 1918, a one year period, approximately 110,000 Americans died from combat. During the war on terrorism, between October 2001 to now, an eight year period, 5,442 American died. Casualties during battles have decreased. In WWI, during a three day battle near Soissons, France, from 18-20 July, 1918, the US Army's 1st Division (one of two divisions in the battle) suffered 1,252 dead-all during a three day battle. But the cause we fight for now is just as important and each life given for freedom is just as precious. The point is, every serviceperson's death, whether in past or present, large battle or small, overseas or in the States, had a purpose--uphold liberties we enjoy today. Our deceased veterans did not join the armed forces to die; they joined to live and serve: for patriotism, to travel the world, learn skills, get an education, and so on. And in so doing, they served the common good, but as all servicemen and service women are, were willing to die for the common good. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." These words from the Declaration of Independence, our freedoms and way of life are worth dying for. Who were the men and women who died to give us the country we have today? They came from all backgrounds and races: from farm and city, rich and poor, educated and uneducated. Most had parents, brothers and sisters. Many had spouses and children. All gave up their hopes and dreams when they gave up their lives. They were people just like you and me. My favorite military poem is "In Flanders Fields", written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian medical officer who died in 1918 during WWI. I'd like to read the middle stanza from it. "We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields." Who is affected by our servicemen and servicewomen who die for our country? Everyone. You and I. Coworkers, supervisors, commanders, family and friends. Our nation, as well as other nations that rely on us to extend liberty. We all feel the ripples of every death, like a rock thrown in a pond. Who here has known others who died on active duty serving our nation? Please raise your hands. We who are here today are veterans, some who served in homeland defense, others as veterans of foreign wars. We answered the call to duty. I ask you to raise your hand as I call out the name of the service you served in, regardless of when you served. If you served in two or more services, please raise your hand for each service. United States Army, United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coastguard, United Status Air Force. Did I leave anyone out? I salute you. You served and returned home. You were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice but it was not asked of you. But you still suffered hardships as well as good times. And you have stories to tell of your service in the armed forces. You and I need to share those stories because we hold the torch of freedom. Every veteran, whether a lifer or not, passes the torch of freedom to those who come after them. You did your duty; others will do theirs. As you know, freedom is not free. President Ronald Reagan said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and handed on for them to do the same." I'd like to read the last stanza from the poem, "In Flanders Fields". "Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields." God bless the men and women who gave their lives for America. We honor you today. And God bless the United States of America.