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Jason Mosher

Sheriff's Journal

Vernon County Sheriff.

Opinion

Raise the flag, remember the fallen

Saturday, May 23, 2015

This Monday we will observe Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor those who gave their lives while serving their country in the armed forces. As I mentioned the last time I wrote about this day, it was originally known as Decoration Day after the Civil War to recognize and honor those killed in the Confederate and Union Armies. It was later changed to honor and recognize all men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There have been many wars and many Americans have died to keep us safe in our home land.

I received a large print in the mail this week of the American Flag raising at Iwo Jima. I think this is one of the greatest photographs ever taken: the symbol of our freedom being raised in a place where American soldiers fought and died to protect this great country. The flag at Iwo Jima was raised by five U.S. Marines and one U.S. Navy Corpsman on Feb. 23, 1945, during the battle of Iwo Jima. The flag being raised was a symbol of hope and victory to come, but it did not mark the end of the war, or the end of sacrifices that would be paid. Three of the Marines in this photo were killed in action just days after the picture was taken. Their names were Harlon Block, Franklin Sousley, and Michael Strank. The three remaining soldiers; Rene Gagnon, Ira Hayes, and Navy Corpsman John Bradley became very popular for their role in the picture. The picture was taken by Joe Rosenthal and is believed to be one of the most reproduced photographs of all time. If this photo had not been taken, the names of those six brave soldiers would most likely just be another name on a grave stone. Their actions however, would still be the same; they would still be heroes just like all the others that served in that war as well as every war before and after.

Taking a moment out of the day to reflect on the sacrifices that have been paid by so many is the very least we can do. No matter where you live, or how you live, it has been in a free country. Every time you see an American flag raised on a pole, remember someone gave their life for what that flag represents and if they had not, I believe we would know a world much more cruel and dark than we could even imagine. To those who have served in the armed forces, and to those who have lost loved ones protecting our freedoms, I say thank you. There are simply no other words to say.

"Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory."

-Douglas MacArthur