My annual posting. See 2006 here and 2007 here.
From Wikipedia:
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who died in military service for their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.
We sometimes forget the reason for this holiday. No, it is not to give us another three-day weekend. Nor is it just simply the start of the season in which wearing white is acceptable. It is a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice – giving their lives – so that we might live free.
At 3pm today, stop whatever you are doing, put aside partisanship, and join fellow Americans in a moment of silence as a tribute to the fine women and men who have served. My own tribute will be to recognize the members of the Armed Services from Hampton Roads, who have given their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
The list of Hampton Roads war casualties since last Memorial Day and for the period 2002-2007 can be found on the Virginian Pilot’s website here.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 