Daily Event for May 29


May 29, 2006 Memorial Day: The true origins of Memorial Day have been lost to history but it is a day, where here in the United States, we pay honor to those who have died in the service of our country. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868 after a proclamation was signed by General John Logan on May 5. While this was not an official Government observance many people did take part in the recognition of the war dead by decorating their graves at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial Day as a Federal holiday was not officially recognized until 1971 when Congress passed the National Holiday Act. From then on it has been a three day weekend for the nation.

While we are out at our grills and enjoying our families I would like you to remember what it took to allow you to do so. Since the Revolutionary War the total number of US Service personnel killed is estimated to be a staggering 1,757,224 (One Million Seven Hundred Thousand Two Hundred and Twenty Four). The number of wounded is unbelievable, the amount of grief and hardship suffered by the families of those lost, incalculable.

The number of people who now live in freedom, given to them by those who gave their lives, and continue to do so is in the billions. Even our former enemy's of two world wars now live in freedom because of the sacrifice of the soldier and the vision of a few good men.

This year Memorial Day includes over 2,500 more names to be remembered, those who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. This list now includes Major Matthew "Bubba" Wade Worrell, who was killed on May 14, 2006 when his helicopter was shot down during combat operations in Iraq. I did not know Matt and he did not know me. He also did not know the people in Iraq he was there to help, the people who he was trying to bring freedom to. A people not from his country but, from another nation on the other side of the world. He gave his life, like many Americans have done before in the service of his country on foreign soil fighting for people he never knew.

Matt was the nephew of my employer so, even though I had never met him, his loss has affected me personally. We as a nation owe our very existence to those willing to fight for us. And now we owe Matt, his wife and two sons the respect of a nation.

On this Memorial Day please take a minute and think about all those who have given their last breath in the service of our country. Fly your flag in remembrance and honor of those who died so you could do so. Thank a Vet or an active duty service man or woman because they continue to give you the right to be free. Remember the ten's of thousands of people who are serving for you all around the world, and remember the families of those who were lost, for them the cost of your freedom is just as high.

"May God bless and watch over those who laid down their lives in defense of freedom. Welcome them oh Lord and give them a place with you. Bring peace to the families of those who now sit by your side and watch over them with  your loving grace. For they have thought not of themselves but for a brother, one of your sons who was living in tyranny. They fought to restore the freedom that you have given every man but, would be stolen by others. May they rest now with you."

© 2006 Michael W. Pocock
MaritimeQuest.com


Major Matthew W. Worrell


2005 Daily Event