Flowers for the dead

On May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic established what was then called “Decoration Day” to honor the “war dead” by decorating their graves with flowers. There is no greater honor a country can give its heroes than to set aside a day to remember and honor them. We now call this day Memorial Day; and although it used to be observed on May 30 for those who died in the Civil War, we now observe it on the last Monday in May, decorating the graves of those who fought in any war.

It is believed this time of the year was picked by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan because there would be flowers blooming all over the country. When reading stories of some of the battles and acts of heroism from various wars in which our country has been involved, it causes a person to realize how much they can take everything for granted.

I have told the story before of Thomas Sullivan, and every year around this time, I think of that story because it reminds me of how much people have sacrificed. On Jan. 12, 1943, Thomas Sullivan was preparing to go to work when three men in uniform arrived at his front door and told him that they had news for him about his sons. When Thomas asked which ones, the officer replied, “all five.”

Thomas and Aleta’s five sons had enlisted in the United States Navy on Jan. 3, 1942. All five brothers insisted they serve together, and as a result, all five were stationed on the USS Juneau. Around November 13, 1942, the ship was struck by a torpedo and had to retreat. The ship was struck a second time by a Japanese submarine, I-26.

It is believed that three of the brothers died instantly, one drowned the next day, and the fifth brother died of hypothermia a few days later. Those five men now lay in the ground with a marker above, reminding us every day what they did and why they did it. Those five men, along with all the other soldiers who gave their lives, deserve to have our recognition by at least the decorating their graves.

Many people will use this day to spend time with their families through various activates, but it is important that we take a moment from our busy day to observe those who are buried in the ground because they gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We must show our children what is important, and remind them of the cost that was paid for our freedom. George Washington said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.” As you spend time with your families this holiday, take just a moment to honor the dead by remembering what they have done, and placing a simple flower at their grave.