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May 26, 2006
Bar-B-Q Away, But Don't Forget the Soldiers
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| This monument stands on Lexington Green where
the "shot heard 'round the world" in 1775 started the American Revolutionary
War. It is the smallest monument there, but to me says the most about being
an
American. Outnumbered 10 to 1 Captain Parker of the Lexington Company told
his 70 men to "Stand your ground, don't fire unless fired upon, but if
they mean to have
a war let it begin here". A handful of Americans died on Lexington Green standing up for their freedom and the freedom of their neighbors. In conflicts since then over 600,000 Americans, mostly men, gave their lives for this country. It was partly due to those sacrifices that our nation has been so prosperous. That is the heart of Memorial Day. |
As a veteran I find the celebrations, barbeques, and other community events usually scheduled for Memorial Day weekend wholly in keeping with the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces. We should always celebrate our prosperity, and recognize that we live in the greatest country on the earth, in the state with the best climate and geography, and in a dynamic yet small community . We have a lot to be happy about. But there are some folks that need to be thanked. Be sure to spend time this weekend letting your children know why we celebrate Memorial Day. Read them a story from American history about the sacrifices service men have made. Tell them why America is great, and why they, as Americans, have a responsibility to also be great. |
For a short movie describing the historic reality of the battle of Lexington Green and the "Shot Heard Round the World" visit this site. If you're my age you probably first heard the story of the American Revolution from "Schoolhouse Rock" on Saturday mornings. This short clip will take you back to those simpler times ("Shot Heard 'Round the World"). You don't have to sacrifice your life to make America a better place to live. But you do have to take up the mantle of citizen responsibility required in a democracy. If you are engaged in local issues then keep it up. If you are not, then get engaged. If you hate America and think we're the root of all evil on the planet, then pull your head out of your rear. We have great opportunity for making good things happen and the kind of wealth and prosperity where individuals can make a huge difference in the rest of the world. Below is the famous minuteman statue representing Captain Parker. It is also located at Lexington Green, MA. It is the idealized American soldier who is required to be both a citizen and a warrior. |
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Posted by Lon at May 26, 2006 04:11 PM
Comments
Thank you. That's a beautiful posting. :-)
Posted by: Michael Jones at May 26, 2006 06:26 PM
I'm glad to see your are teaching your son the true root of American history and why we have to continue to fight for freedom, rather than taking it for granted.
Posted by: Anthony Watts at May 29, 2006 09:54 PM
Thanks guys,
I hope you both had a fun memorial day weekend.
Posted by: Lon at May 30, 2006 07:24 AM
Freedom has never been free. All those guys didn't die so we could be silent slackers and let it go.
Every generation is another link in a long chain. It's our responsibility to make this one strong enough to carry the next.
I'm always amazed how so few people take on this work and have to pull the weight for everyone else. How so few speak up and make their voice be heard.
Posted by: Gregg Payne at May 31, 2006 12:25 AM