ASH FORK, Ariz.—A soldier may go to war and fall on the battlefield. But only a forgotten soldier truly dies.
That’s how James A. Foster Jr., vice-commander of American Legion Post 57 in Ash Fork, Arizona, described it during a ceremony honoring veterans in Ash Fork Settlers Cemetery on Memorial Day.
As the 50 people gathered at the ceremony recited the Pledge of Allegiance, countless other Americans indulged in outdoor barbecues without much consideration of the purpose of the holiday.
“There’s no more respect for anything,” lamented Foster, dressed in the white-and-black uniform signifying his position. “I have no idea how it happened but we’re trying to bring it back.”
Foster believes many people miss the point of the holiday—that veterans gave their lives so that others could “say what you want to say, be what you want to be, go where you want to go.”
By Any Other Name
Tom West, co-founder of “Operation: Transition Outside the Wire,” a nonprofit advocacy group for veterans, said at the gathering that few people are aware that for a long time that Memorial Day went by another name—Decoration Day.
The federal holiday began in 1868 when General John A. Logan called for a nationwide remembrance of northern Civil War veterans.
The first Decoration Day was held on May 30, 1868.
West told The Epoch Times that consumerism co-opted Memorial Day and has diluted its meaning to the point that people no longer appreciate the veterans who sacrificed for their country.
“America makes it synonymous with barbecues and family events—and that’s fine,” he said. “But for the veteran community, it is more difficult.”
Forgotten Values
Post 57 Commander Robert Curly Flanagan said he feels that many Americans have forgotten about the value of duty and the sacrifice paid by the nation’s veterans.“I think they’re more concerned about having a day off to barbecue than paying their respects. We’re trying to keep the memories of the men and women alive. I think it happened with laziness, comfort. It’s kind of sad.”
Approximately 78 veterans lie buried in the Ash Fork cemetery, and more will come in time, said Roger Ely, Past State Commander for the Arizona American Legion.
“Regardless of how many decades or centuries have passed, we do not forget their sacrifices,” Ely said as he addressed the gathering.
“The men and women who died for our free represent a diverse pattern of the United States of America,”
West said that school systems should do more to instill the values of honor and sacrifice while teaching about the vital role of that the nation’s veterans played in defending freedom.
“We don’t talk about it. It’s a lesson not only of our freedom but of our humanity,” West said.
“I wish they would teach it more in schools about the sacrifices of our veterans.”
West said that by sharing the stories of veterans, we keep the memories of their contributions alive “and give others a glimpse of military service that aims to inspire them to create a better world, a strong nation, and kind communities.”
Sharon Hellquist of Ash Fork, who comes from a military family, confessed at the gathering that she used to celebrate Memorial Day as a “big barbecue party.”
“Now, as I’m getting older, I know the meaning [of the holiday],” she told The Epoch Times.
“I hope even more people get that eventually. Many out there still think it’s a big party.”
