It is our position that the intention of Memorial Day should not be diluted by commercialization. It seems swimming pool openings and department store sales are overshadowing what was once a solemn day of remembrance for the tens of thousands of selfless men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for our country. To most civilians, freedom is protected in a parallel universe as most go about their days without a second thought of the battle front. A son, daughter, parent or grandparent turns into a Troop. At its most tragic, the Troop turns into a number and another flag is lowered at half-mast, many times without fanfare or notice.
According to icasualties.org, during the last dozen years alone, more than 8,000 men and women in the military have perished in either hostile or non-hostile circumstances in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nearly 200 Hoosiers are on the list, including Troops from Hamilton and Boone counties.
War Memorials should be visited, remembrance services should be attended and American flags should be lowered until noon, raised thereafter, lowered before nightfall and stored properly.
In the words of Ronald Reagan, “We will always remember. We will always be proud. We will always be prepared, so we will always be free.”