Importance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of the United States of America. Over two dozen cities and towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it’s difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.

Regardless of the exact date or location of its origins, one thing is clear – Memorial Day was born out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead.  In honor of Memorial Day 2015, here are some memorable quotes:

Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.

MARK TWAIN

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.

BILL CLINTON

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.

JOSEPH CAMPBELL

The patriot’s blood is the seed of Freedom’s tree.

THOMAS CAMPBELL

The greatest glory of a free-born people is to transmit that freedom to their children.

WILLIAM HAVARD

Courage is contagious.  When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened.

BILLY GRAHAM

It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle.  It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.

NORMAN SCHWARZKOPF

Aspire rather to be a hero than merely appear one.

BALTASAR GRACIAN

And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free.  And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.

LEE GREENWOOD

They fell, but o’er their glorious grave floats free the banner of the cause they died to save.

FRANCIS MARION CRAWFORD

Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

JOHN F. KENNEDY

The maintenance of freedom and liberty require an informed, aware, and actively engaged citizenry – We the People!