Memorial Day is not just another day to get out of school, or off work.
It is a time to remember the men and women who fought and died for our
country. Since 1868 Memorial Day has been observed on May thirtieth. In
that one hundred twenty-one years of observances, there have been many
wars and conflicts involving American men and women.
 

Memorial Day holiday involves almost every family, because of the number
of people who have served in the military. It would seem possible that
every family would know of someone who gave their life for their country.
 

Many military organizations sponsor Memorial Day Parades and the
decorating of the graves of the military dead. Many families in America
have their own silent observations for this special day. At the time when
General John A. Logan instituted Memorial Day, he did not realize it
would affect so many peoples' lives.
 

In St. Louis, one of the major Memorial Day activities is the
Inter-Veterans Memorial Service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
At this observance, Veterans groups pay tribute to their fallen comrades
with a very moving service. Various dignitaries make speeches, bands play
patriotic music, and the service closes with a twenty-one gun salute and
taps.
 

My father, served in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces Group, from
1970-1971. He knew of many who made the supreme sacrifice for their
country. On Memorial Day he not only reflects on the fallen Vietnam
veterans, but all of those who died in past wars.  He feels our country
is great today because so many Americans have
given their lives so we can live in freedom.
 

Memorial Day is a time for people to be grateful that there were
individuals willing to lay down their lives so future generations would
not have to go to war.
 

Kim DeBolt (13 years old), 1989