Honor Has A Face

This weekend, we have an extra day. Memorial Day is the start of Summer, the opening of swimming pools and a celebration of graduation for millions of seniors. In fact, it is the time we remember Americans who have fallen in service to their country. Memorial Day started as a tribute to the Union soldiers after the Civil War. It was call "Decoration Day". The southern states, for obvious reasons, refused to participate.

The term "Memorial Day" was not used until 1882 and was only declared the official name of the day after WWII, being made a national holiday by Congress in 1967. In 1968, Congress moved three holidays to the last Monday in May we now know as Memorial Day: Washington's Birthday (the original date on the calendar renamed President's Day), Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. Veteran's Day was eventually returned to its original date, usually November 11th. Today, most corporations only recognize Memorial Day as an official holiday, choosing not to close for Veteran's Day, President's Day or Columbus Day.

There are two traditions of note. First, the American flag is flown at half-staff from dawn until noon. Another tradition is that there is a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. in the afternoon of Memorial Day. That seems like the least that we can do to honor the dead.

For me, my uncle, Harold G. Quackenbush pops into my mind every Memorial Day. I revered him. He served in the United States Army in World War II in Burma where he led a battalion of men and by virtue of his bravery and leadership, was awarded a battlefield commission during his service. He spent most of his life in the Army and in his passing only a year or so ago, was given a military funeral with honor guard. Colonel "Quack" to his family, he was a brilliant man that walked softly but carried a great presence. Tall and commanding, he could be quite intimidating. When he spoke, though, you knew that this was a man that was tender to those he loved. He was the quintessential military man. One of the Great Generation, he served selflessly and with honor.

I remember too, my cousin Mike Johnson. His career in the Army led him to serve in the 82nd Airborne Division. He did a tour in Vietnam. He also served at the tense border at Panmunjom in Korea. He was a drill instructor as well. He retired and then did another career in the National Forest Service, after receiving a degree in Forestry. He is retired, with honor, and living in Texas today near his daughter and grandchild.

We have all been blessed to witness those among us who have served their country. For just a moment this weekend, tell them how much they are admired and loved.

The Military Mind

In all of civilization's history, there has always been a fundamental cry for defense of that civilization against its enemies. This calls for those within the society to offer to sacrifice their comfort and safety in that cause. Some decry the need for any organized efforts within a culture that require the possible death of even one of its citizenry. Some believe that there is never a good reason to send men and women into harm's way. In fact, war is a failure of diplomacy and reasonable men. But in all of history, despite the right or wrong of war, it has been waged. Then, there are a few who volunteer to take the place of another, to swear allegiance to a principle greater than themselves.

It is in this selflessness that honor flourishes. The military mind is one of service. It asks nothing of the citizenry but the resources to accomplish its mission. It swears allegiance to both Democrat and Republican. It contests neither conservative or liberal arguments when suffering the risks and discomfort that this service requires. When asked to leave friends and family and ship off to a foreign land, usually hostile to their native country, they do so sadly, but willingly.

It is not acceptable to question why an order is given. It is assumed that those decisions have been made in good conscience, with the country's best interests in mind. If that sounds unintelligent or foolish, so be it. Any time a person puts the greater good ahead of their own, it can be puzzling to those who have never known it. To the military mind on duty, politics are not important. Opinions ebb and flow over time like the endless sea. What is important to the military mind is that the soldier, the sailor, the airman, has what he needs to succeed in his task, protect himself and those around him and return home safely. There is no opportunity to reflect on the advisability of the strategy or political agendas.

While those among us strive for political advantage, your fellow countrymen, men and women around the world, at times place themselves in danger to protect our country's interests - your interests. If there is passion to be followed, let it be in assuring that our military personnel are recognized for this sacrifice. If there is a cause to be consumed with, let it be in supporting those who are out there every single day promising to give the ultimate sacrifice for a cause as simple as protecting you and me from our enemies.