Why We Recognize Memorial Day

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: May 25, 2012

Why We Recognize Memorial Day

It's Memorial Day weekend, a time when we honor those who have given their lives for freedom and for America. There are still too many people who want to include the wounded and all who served or are serving in the military, but they are not what Memorial Day is about. We honor them on other days and every day. Memorial Day is in memory of those who died while in the uniform and while defending America. Those are the ones we honor.

If you can, visit a military cemetery this weekend and read the names on the grave markers. These are the men and women whose lives ended too soon. Some never married, others left behind spouses and children. They truly gave all they had for us.

In an all-volunteer military, many don't know anyone who has served, much less died in service. All the more reason to remember those who gave their freedom for our freedom. Freedom isn't free, goes the saying, and it's true. As you look around the world you see that freedom isn't the natural state of humankind. And that's why we honor this weekend those who fought and died for it so we might be free. Remember and honor them.

I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.

Publication date: May 25, 2012

Why We Recognize Memorial Day