For many Memorial Day is the kickoff of summer. A weekend of beach, beer and hot dogs. Department stores sales, swimming pools openings.
But wait – isn’t it supposed to be a day of remembrance and respect for all those men and women who have died in military service to this nation and their families?
Should not we be teaching the true meaning of this holiday to our children to aid them in understanding that Memorial Day is more than barbeque smoke – it is about honoring and remembering the lives and memories of all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In the words of General George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
In 2000, Congress passed The National Moment of Remembrance Act as an added way of honoring our fallen heroes. For 1 minute at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, please stop whatever you may be doing and join millions of Americans in giving thought to all those who have given their lives in all wars and conflicts. Please visit www.usba.com/RememberMemorialDay
Please also consider supporting The NJ Run For The Fallen, an annual event held in Holmdel.
The New Jersey Run for the Fallen is an organization of runners (all active duty military) and support crew whose mission is clear and simple: To run one mile for every New Jersey service member killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. Each mile of sweat and pain and each flag saluted, is to pay homage to one service member’s life and their family.
The last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of September, we run across New Jersey to raise awareness for the lives of those who fought and died, to rejuvenate their memories and keep their spirits alive, to support organizations that aid the families of those killed, and to aid in the healing process for the native New Jersey residents whose lives have been affected by the war.
We refuse any political affiliation or agenda, but simply honor those who have fought, and those who have fallen under the American flag.
Although we visibly run one mile to honor and remember each fallen hero from the current conflicts, the total run represents every service member from New Jersey who laid down their lives for freedoms cause. New Jersey being rich in the foundation of this country has given 16,408 of her sons and daughters.
Regardless of war or conflict, branch of service or how they died, we ultimately run for them all, honoring their service and sacrifice, and remembering that they each gave up a future so that we could have ours. We give tribute to them by name wherever possible and to the sacrifice of the families they left behind.
Please visit www.NJRun.org
Mike Simpson, Run Director
NJ Run For The Fallen, Holmdel
