IN DEFENSE OF COMMON SENSE
By Hetty Gray
# 313
May 26, 2025
“A Day Like No Other”
Once Decoration Day, what we celebrate today as Memorial Day was instituted after the American Civil War. Changed little in form since its beginning, the day – sadly – had changed a great deal in spirit. What was once a somber day of remembering those men and women who gave their lives for this country morphed into a day off work (not for all) and an occasion to eat, drink and be merry.
However, for households across this nation, there is one (perhaps more than one) empty chair. Some battle scars never fully heal. Wives, sons, daughters, siblings, grandchildren – and yes, parents — experience a mix of feelings that those without losing a member cannot fathom. The empty phrase, “I know how you feel” can only apply to a person who has lived through the trauma of that telegram, those officers walking toward the door, or similar notification of the death of one in the service of his or her country.
We take so much for granted. Every day we go about our lives free to go and do what we wish when we wish. For much of the world that attitude and mindset is as alien as our thoughts of setting up a campsite on the moon. Whether they live under a despot or in the crosshairs of a regime hell bent on destroying anything in its path, countless people never experience a good night’s sleep absent of threat.
It is an anathema to me that so many of us can drive or walk by the American flags along so many of our streets today without so much as a second thought on why they fly around this most special day.
Amid the parades, the music and all that goes along with them, I question whether the majority of us really understands how precious this nation is and what it took to preserve the way of life we live so cavalierly.
This is not so much an assessment of this one calendar day as it is a disbelief that a disproportionate number of Americans never give freedom a second thought. In its core, such a belief rests on the fact that since 1812, with the exception of a small invasion of the Aleutian Islands in World War II and the horrific events of September 11, 2001, this nation has been a safe haven for all its citizens. Safety, in and of itself, is quite a concept. Our hope is that it continue to be the normal state of affairs.
This Memorial Day we have troops in Cuba, at Guantanamo Bay. There is an area that separates the base from Communist Cuba. The “DMZ” (demilitarized zone) exists today
as a reminder that we are only free because of those who step up to defend America.
Many people have today to enjoy time with their families, and others go to work as if it were any other day – toiling as medical staff, law enforcement officers, hotel workers, restaurant cooks and wait staff, truck stop personnel, and campground or resort staff, they happily serve and welcome customers. Their work enables others to have a good day.
I hope that when you see someone in uniform, whether in the National Guard or in a branch of active-duty personnel, that you take the time to say, “Thank you.” It will be appreciated.
Never adopt an attitude that could detract from their service.
Stand when hearing The National Anthem. Take off your hat in respect for the flag and for which it stands. It stands for freedom. It represents sacrifice. It showcases love of country – a concept sorely lacking in the public square today.
Look into the curricula of the schools. It’s not hard to spot shortfalls. Our children need to learn accurate American history and to respect this nation – unique in all the world. Sometimes, a single thought is best. One follows.
If you have followed my column for the past twenty-plus years, you know my affinity for Ronald Wilson Reagan.
In his words, “Some people live a lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.”
God Bless our Veterans. God rest those who have their all for all of us.
Think about it.