This year, Monday, May 29th, will be commemorating Memorial Day in many places throughout the country. It is a national day of celebration that was first established to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War and then expanded to include all those who die because of wars or military action. It is a day to recognize and honor those men and women who have renounced their well-being and that of their families, to ensure the safety of our country and our citizens.
For us immigrants who have found refuge in this great country, especially those who have lived under dictatorial regimes where human life is worthless, observing Memorial Day is very important, especially now that so many people confuse the true meaning of the day with outdoor snacks, trips to the beaches or buying a new car.
This Monday, May 29th, you can do all that is mentioned above, but set aside some time during the morning to pay tribute to the men and women who have offered their lives for you to live and thrive in this country in peace. The appointment is at 9:00 a.m. at Bellevue Cemetery, one of the oldest and finest in the country, where the remains of the first soldier killed during the Civil War, in addition to many of the First and Second World Wars, as well as from Korea, Vietnam and now Iraq and Afghanistan are resting.
You just have to go there and say, “Thank you!”
