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Memorial Day: Honor those who sacrificed for our freedom

For nearly 150 years, Americans have set aside time at the end of May to honor those who lost their lives in defense of this great country. Back in 1868, Gen. John A. Logan asked that the 30th of May be “designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (the Civil War), and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

As our nation has seen hundreds of thousands more men and women fall over the decades, in battles ranging all over the world, Memorial Day has evolved from a Decoration Day for the graves of Civil War soldiers to a holiday on which we honor all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and our freedom.

Though it has become the unofficial start to summer — a day full of parades, backyard BBQs and trips to the swimming pool — we must never forget the reason we are able to celebrate.

Enjoy the day, ladies and gentlemen; but spend at least a moment remembering those we have lost … those who have made it all possible.

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“These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation who has a long history of patriotism and honor – and a nation who has fought many battles to keep our country free from threats of terror.”

— Rep. Michael N. Castle, R-Del.

“A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.”

— George William Curtis, author

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