Memorial Day Op-Ed: Choicest Flowers
On honor guard from the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department raises the U.S flag over the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the dedication of McEuen Park Saturday morning. The Veterans Plaza will be the scene of a Memorial Day ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday. (Photo: Don Sausser)
On May 5th, 1868 Union Army Maj. General John A. Logan established Decoration Day (later to be renamed Memorial Day). His order stated that Civil War graves be decorated “with the choicest flowers of springtime” to honor the many young men who died in the bloom of their youth – who gave up their tender lives so their loved ones could live long. On May 12, 1962 retired General Douglas MacArthur, (West Point, Class of 1903) gave his final address at the United States Military Academy. He spoke to those who would soon face Vietnam – the choicest young men of that generation: “Duty, Honor, Country…they build your basic character. They make you strong enough to know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid.” He died just two years later and was buried with honors in Virginia. Many cadets who heard his final address, shortly joined him in death as young US Army officers. Yet, the Long Gray Line continued/Dennis Mansfield, special to Huckleberries Online. More here.
Question: Has you family lost someone in war?
