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A Day to Praise the Fallen
“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” ~ Joseph Campbell
The presence of war was becoming visible. The mournful spirits were raging and the clear outcome of tension was here. Everyone was prepared for a long hard battle. Men and women dedicated their lives fighting for our country and protecting it with all they could. Credit is given to them by an important holiday, Memorial Day. Memorial Day originally recognized as Decoration Day. Memorial Day is an important holiday celebrated by nearly all Americans. Its original name came from all the flowers, wreaths, and flags presented by Americans. This day is dedicated to praising all the fallen soldiers that have fought and died fighting for our country. This special holiday originated in the years following the Civil War. Since so many lives were lost in this war a day was dedicated to honoring them. At first the holiday only recognized the soldiers who had participated in the Civil War. However the South didn’t agree with this and refused to honor it. It was shortly changed to remembering every soldier who has given their lives for the sake of our country’s safety. New York was officially declared the birth place of Memorial Day. Memorial Day became an established holiday in 1971, and has been celebrated on the last Monday in May since then. It is respectful to fly all flags at half mass until noon then raise it to the top of the staff until sunset. Many people overlook Memorial Day and don’t take time to really think about the true meaning of it. It’s important to remember all the soldiers who have given their lives for us, and all the families separated to keep our country safe. Memorial Day is a significant holiday celebrated by nearly all Americans. To me Memorial Day is a special holiday. It reminds everyone that there are men and women in other countries fighting for our country's safety. Every day many Americans give their lives for us. Ian Muller was a young man in the Marines. He was having trouble finding a job around Danville (His hometown) so he decided to join the military. He feared many things about war, but after four years of serving he was fully dedicated to his job and fellow Marines. In January of 2011 he was sent to Afghanistan, and volunteered for one of the more dangerous lead position during combat controls. He said he took the harder position because many of his colleagues had wives, and children and he did not. March 11, 2011 he died in combat in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. His friends said he lived life to the fullest and enjoyed everything he did. He will always be remembered for his sacrifice for this country. Although I will never be able to understand how the families that have lost loved ones feel, I better get the concept of Memorial Day. I will think of these families every Memorial Day and be thankful I don’t have to go through terrible losses like they have experienced. - Lexi Barfield |
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Second Place Runner-Up in the Middle School Division winning was…. Lexi Barfield!
CONGRATULATIONS, LEXI!
Read Lexi’s prize winning essay below... |
