It's official. It's the Memorial Day weekend, which for many marks the beginning of the summer season. School lets out, people graduate, and others think of vacations and summer tasks. This year I wonder how many will stay closer to home, or venture to journey out at all, given the price of gasoline. I have noticed around our neighborhood a few gatherings at home which fill the streets with parked cars. Perhaps people ARE staying closer to home.
On television, many of the networks are trotting out old war movies. "Memorial Day Movie Marathon," advertises one channel. In honor of Memorial Day, AMC was pleased to present a couple of the Chuck Norris "Missing in Action" movies. Someone help me- what is remotely memorable or honoring about these tired flicks? These movies have as many roots in reality as does professional wresting.
Moving beyond movie tributes, Memorial Day is set to remind us of those who gave their lives defending this great nation and keeping it free. I read today in church that there are now over 23 million veterans alive. Over 1800 are dying every day. Military cemeteries are extremely busy and new ones are being built.
All to honor those who have served our country in uniform.
A few weeks ago, after attending a preaching conference in Washington, D.C. I had the privilege of visiting Arlington National Cemetery. One of the most impressive things there is seeing the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" and observing the changing of the guard. Very impressive. The tomb is a very reverent site. Onlookers kept silence as they watched the guard, with military precision, go through his paces guarding the tomb then change places with a new guard and later place wreaths that schoolchildren had brought at the tomb.
The branch of the government charged with handling the burials of veterans, The National Cemetery Administration, has consistently received the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any federal government or private sector. They handle the burial of veterans with dignity, honor, and proper care. Our veterans deserve all the honor and respect we citizens and our government can possibly give them.
It's good to know that at least one sector of the U.S. government is getting something right.
No comments:
Post a Comment