Remembering those who served our country, and those who honor them
On this Memorial Day weekend, millions of Americans are devoting a portion of this time to pay their respects to those who died in defense of our nation. In many cases, these Americans are visiting a national cemetery. The beautiful and serene grounds, with rows of markers testifying to the sacrifice and service of generations past, lend a sense of dignity and awe to the observance.
It is during this solemn time of reflection that we pay respect to those who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “gave the last full measure of devotion.” Across our country, in towns large and small, these Americans are experiencing the true meaning of Memorial Day.
This year, it’s estimated that more than 660,000 American veterans will die, including those who served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the global war on terrorism. Every burial, every day, is a poignant reminder of the original purpose of Memorial Day: to honor and remember those who wore the American uniform and proudly carried the title of “veteran.”
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is overseeing the largest expansion of national cemeteries since the Civil War. All veterans who served honorably are offered the dignity of memorial services in a national cemetery, including a VA-provided headstone or marker. This benefit is available to veterans who chose to be buried in private cemeteries as well, and families can also receive a Presidential Memorial Certificate, expressing the nation’s gratitude and honoring the memory of each deceased veteran.
Most Americans today express support for our troops and appreciation for the service they provide. They are thankful for the gifts of liberty that our veterans have ensured, not the least of which are our most fundamental freedoms of speech, worship, voting and more. And on Memorial Day, amidst the headstones of a national cemetery, many will stand in silent awe as they realize the full value of those freedoms and the enormity of the price that was paid to secure and defend them.
Many go one step further in expressing their appreciation by volunteering their time and talent at one of the VA’s national cemeteries across the country. Last year, Americans from every walk of life gave more than 364,000 hours of volunteer service at national cemeteries.
They presented military honors, played Taps at committal services, placed flags on graves, planted trees and flowers, staffed visitor centers, and attended services for indigent and “forgotten” veterans who otherwise would have been buried with no family or friends in attendance. The VA’s National Cemetery Administration deeply appreciates these volunteers and their dedicated work. Through their selfless volunteerism, they pay tribute to every American who has served.
On this Memorial Day, we honor those veterans who died in service to our country, and we thank those Americans who unselfishly volunteer to keep their legacy alive.
Richard A. Wannemacher Jr., Washington, D.C.
The writer is acting under secretary for Memorial Affairs for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration.
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Re: “Pickup drivers pushed to use seat belts,” May 25 news story.
It is unfortunate that we have such selfish and ignorant people on the roads as pickup driver Greg Ring, who was quoted in your article. Ring is upset that he is “forced” by law to buckle his seat belt, and hates people telling him what to do.
If you choose not to fasten your seat belt and say, “Hey, if I die in a crash, that’s my business, and I’ll be out of your hair,” as Ring said, that philosophy couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is, all insured motorists on the road are paying somehow for your accidental death coverage should you die in your vehicle. Everyone must know and understand the primary reason for the increase in the premiums for insurance for your vehicle is accidental deaths on today’s streets and highways.
The next time you see someone unbuckled next to you at the light, roll down your window and ask them to click it because you’re tired of paying for their selfishness.
Paul Anthony Lucero, Littleton
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