EDITORIAL: The meaning of Memorial Day
Tomorrow is Memorial Day. Always on the last Monday in May, we remember and honor the importance of this day. Memorial Day is a day to recollect and remember those who have died in defense of our country.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, it is estimated that over 1 million U.S. military personnel have died in service since the Revolutionary War. This number includes deaths in combat and from non-hostile causes. The Civil War resulted in the highest number of casualties, ranging from 650,000 to 850,000. World War I, 115,000. World War II recorded over 400,000 casualties. Korean War, 54.000. Vietnam War, 90,000. And the War on Terror, over 7,000.
Of concern presently is to remember those Veterans who have completed suicide. According to a Brown University study, it is estimated that 30,000 veterans of post 9/11 conflicts have died from suicide. Suicide is a pressing issue in the veteran community, and among the veteran community is higher, as compared to the general population. The VA has many resources to help those in crisis. It is important to reach out for help if you need it. Many Veteran Service Organizations have suicide prevention courses. For example, the American Legion has a program called Be the One, and many veterans are trained in suicide awareness prevention now. Listening to a veteran in crisis is so important, and knowing how to take action to prevent them from taking their own life is so important. We as a country need to recognize this epidemic in our veteran community.
It is also important to recollect and remember the Gold Star Families today who grieve. Gold Star mother Theresa Hart, founder of Newby-ginnings, states Memorial Day for her is every day, and no different from any other day, as she grieves the loss of her son. Gold Star Families long for their sons, daughters, wives, or husbands. Every day, they honor and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Presently, there is a campaign to raise money for a Gold Star Memorial, which will be located at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. This is a wonderful way to remember our Gold Star Families.
So please remember, on this official first day of summer, the meaning of Memorial Day. There will be several services held in Kootenai County. One of them is VFW Post 889 Cd'A, hosting a service at McEuen Park at 0900.