Memorial Day: Remembering the Sacrifice

This weekend marks a national observance established by General John A. Logan back in 1868. The celebrated “General Order Number 11,” issued by the Grand Army of the Republic, specified May 30 as a day to honor the fallen. Logan called for a remembrance of those who had given their lives in service, laying the groundwork for what we now recognize as Memorial Day.

Logan’s directive formalized a practice that Americans had already begun, as both the North and South came together to commemorate their dead following the Civil War. The holiday has since evolved, but Logan’s vision of uniting all Americans to remember their fallen has remained central to its purpose.

In 1998, I had the opportunity to share my thoughts on this holiday during a speech at Newport’s city hall while teaching at the Naval War College. I expressed concern that the essence of Memorial Day was being overshadowed.

Memorial Day serves as a time to reflect on the experiences of individual soldiers.

For many, the long weekend signifies summer’s arrival—often marked by barbecues and gatherings. Yet, that wasn’t its original intent. This holiday was created to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the nation, offering solace to those who fought and survived. It’s a reminder of our commitment to remember those who gave everything so that our Republic might endure.

A Legacy of Sacrifice

I’ve often reflected on how, over the years, many have forgotten how to truly honor our war heroes and their sacrifices. A friend and fellow Marine, Bing West, emphasized this in his book about the Battle of Fallujah. He argued that stories of bravery need to be preserved for future generations; otherwise, they’re at risk of being lost.

While speaking, I recalled acts of heroism from various wars, drawing on my own experiences and those of others. I talked about my mother, who wrote to me after we lost one of my sons in Vietnam. It hit me how painful it is to witness that kind of grief.

Glenn Gray, in his poignant work “Warriors: Men’s Reflections in Combat,” offered insights that resonate with my experience:

Many soldiers die not for lofty ideals, but out of loyalty to their comrades, fearing that fleeing would put others at risk.

This loyalty defines much of a soldier’s experience. In combat’s chaos, it’s rarely about ideology—it’s about the person next to you. Yet, Memorial Day pushes us to consider the broader implications of sacrifice, the collective pain that reverberates through our history.

This is a chance for the nation to recognize the gravity of those sacrifices through the foundational principles of the American Republic.

The Echoes of Sacrifice

Reflecting back to my speech in 1998, I recalled Pericles, who, during the Peloponnesian War, honored Athenian soldiers by celebrating their contributions to civilization. Similarly, Abraham Lincoln, in the wake of Gettysburg, linked the deaths of those soldiers to a greater national purpose in his dedication speech.

Lincoln’s words about the “mysterious chords of memory” still resonate today—connecting our past to our present and the ideals upon which this country stands.

The losses at Gettysburg should be viewed through the lens of American principles as laid out in the Declaration of Independence. Many soldiers have fought for unjust causes throughout history, but the fortunate among us align our sacrifices with a moral mission: the belief that all men are created equal.

Some may critique the wars fought in America, painting them as sentimental or unjust. Yet, this overlooks the core motivation for enlisting: a deep sense of duty, honor, and love for one’s country.

Patriotism—it’s under constant scrutiny these days. Various modern debates have tried to undermine the principles that founded this nation. Yet, despite its challenges, this country remains worthy of defending.

I never intended to diminish personal losses; losing a soldier signifies the end of youth and dreams. We can never truly ease the sorrow of those left behind. My mother, dealing with her grief after losing my son in Vietnam, carried an unending ache.

She often echoed sentiments from Kipling’s war-related poems, particularly when mourning her own loss:

“I have never been killed by anyone other than my mother.
She (blessing her murderer) died of grief for me.”

Kipling himself lost a son in World War I, illustrating the widespread impact of such loss.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once pointed out in a poignant speech that sadness doesn’t signify an end. In fact, it can give rise to new beginnings, where the memories of our fallen brothers inspire us to live fully.

Our deceased comrades continue to live on in our hearts and minds, reigniting life even amid sadness.

So, as you enjoy your burgers and weekends, remember to pause and reflect on those whose sacrifices made such moments possible.