To the editor:
Memorial Day is a time we commemorate all U.S. armed forces service members who have given their lives in service to our country and to remember their families as well.
This holiday was first enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the end of the Civil War in 1865 and was later extended to honor all fallen soldiers following World War I.
Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day has traditionally been coupled with the placing of flowers and American flags on the graves of fallen U.S. soldiers.
In more recent years, it has become an extended weekend increasingly devoted to family and to national events like the Indianapolis 500.
Memorial Day is such a busy and enjoyable time, it’s easy to forget the occasion’s true origins. It’s more than just a day when the swimming pool opens; more than just a time to fire up the backyard grill and listen to the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing”; more than just another excuse to have a three-day weekend.
This Memorial Day holiday weekend, it’s important we take the time to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.
The Nashville American Legion Post 13 veterans organization and many other volunteers will place a flag on the grave of everyone who was a veteran that we know of, buried in Brown County.
If you take personal pride in a particular cemetery or just want to help, please contact us. We will be placing the flags no later than one week before Memorial Day so that the flags will be fresh and nice looking for the holiday.
May we never forget the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Happy Memorial Day, and God bless you!
Ron Higgins, American Legion Post 13
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