By Adam Strohschein
There is a quote by Robert Heinlein which I believe has a lot to do with Memorial Day: "Anyone who clings to the historically untrue – and thoroughly immoral -doctrine that violence never settles anything I would advise to conjure up the ghosts of Napoleon Bonaparte and of the Duke of Wellington and let them debate it. The ghost of Hitler would referee. Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor, and the contrary opinion is wishful thinking at its worst. Breeds that have forgot this basic truth have always paid for it with their lives and freedoms." While we may not wish this quote to be true, it is. All of the liberties we enjoy today as a nation have been gained on the field of battle. Our nation and democracy was forged in the bloody turmoil of the Revolutionary War. In the World Wars, tens of thousands of our soldiers gave their lives to defend our ideals and lands, as well as the ideals and lands of people around the world. In the Cold War, we once again fought numerous conflicts to protect democracy, and bring it to the world. That is why we have Memorial Day, to remind us of what we have, the price we have had to pay for it, and who paid it. On Memorial Day we honor those who have served our country to the greatest degree possible. We honor those who are currently in our armed forces, and have been in them in the past. For without their pure altruism, we would have by now lost what Mr. Heinlein calls our "lives and freedoms." To put it simply. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on what we have in our country, and the great, terrible, but necessary price that we as a nation have had to pay, and the service men and women who have taken it upon themselves to pay it for us.
By Scott Harloff
Old Days Playing Family Friends Dreams
So much life ahead, So many things to do, things to learn No worries or cares Time had no meaning No knowledge of what is to come
Enlisted Yelling Toughness Mentality Physicality
Innocence lost, so much work to do Tougher each day, have to stay focused Feeling low, getting yelled at Overcoming all of the odds He is prepared to serve his country
War Death Guns Bombs Bonds
Screaming and commotion all around Training is put to use Not a boy anymore, but still much too young The sights, the smells, the pain … all irreversible The gun sounds…all is silent and all is no more
Reflecting Gone Memories Sacrifice Legacy
Although he is now gone, He lives forever within us The memories of the old days, Are the only ones we have He will be missed But surely not forgotten
