Letter to the Editor

Remember

our veterans this Memorial Day

To the Editor:

Once again the ladies of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 22 of Linton wish to show their appreciation to all the veterans in our area.

The Auxiliary will be hosting a free breakfast of sausage gravy and biscuits, eggs, and sausage links on May 25 from 7 to 10 a.m. All area veterans are welcome.

Memorial Day is approaching, this is a day we honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving in our United States military conflicts. Originally called Decoration Day, officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 and first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

However, the South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I. It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May. Several southern states have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead.

Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans nowadays have forgotten the meaning of traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries, the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored and neglected.

To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000, which asks that at 3 p.m. local time, for all Americans "To voluntarily and informally observe, pausing for a moment of silence."

Our local cemeteries are decorated with an American Flag at each individual veteran's grave. This is done each year by the American Legion Post 22 and their Auxiliary and SAL volunteers. If any veteran's grave has been missed, please contact your local American Legion Post.

There will be a memorial ceremony at 11 a.m. on Monday 27 at Fairview Cemetery in Linton conducted by the American Legion Post 22, Linton.

Please take the time and attend to show your respect for those who gave their all for our freedom and country.

Ren'ee Marquart, PR

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 22

Linton