The Face of Freedom May 27, 2007
Posted by Paul Edwards in Culture, Death, Iraq, Iraq War, Memorial Day, Military, Sacrifice.trackback
It used to be called Decoration Day. It dates back to the Civil War when “ladies of the South” would decorate the graves of their Confederate dead. It didn’t take an act of Congress to make these ladies act. They did so out of honor for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. In 1868 Decoration Day was made an official holiday by order of General John Logan, General of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was a day set aside to actually visit the burial sites of fallen Civil War soldiers. After WWI it became a day to memorialize those who had died not only in the Civil War, but in any war.
The nature of the day fundamentally changed in 1971 when Congress passed an act recognizing the last Monday in May as Memorial Day - to ensure a long three day weekend for Federal workers. Since that time the memory of fallen soldiers has taken a back seat to a weekend at the lake, backyard barbeques, family gatherings, and yard work. What began as an impromtu outpouring of respect 160 years ago has, thanks to Congress, become the official kickoff of a summer of freedom - freedom to do whatever we please - a freedom we owe to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It’s safe to say that the vast majority of those enjoying this paid day off will go no where near a cemetary - unless they pass one on the way to the cabin.
On this Memorial Day I am thinking of two men. My own father served with honor in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He died at the age of 82 three and a half years ago, having lived a long life, a life sacrificed in service to his country and then in service to his family.
I’m also thinking of Captain Justin Peterson (USMC) who served with the 1st Tank Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force from Twentynine Palms, California. He died in Al Anbar Province, Iraq on October 1, 2006.
Between the hotdog and the deck chair, I hope you’ll take some time on this Memorial Day to think of a real person whose sacrifice has made it possible for you to enjoy a day off today. There are thousands of men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and in other places around the world whose voluntary service to their country makes your day off possible. The least we can do is remember.
Both of my grandfathers, who immigrated to this country and then later, as soldiers, fought to protect her.
As I reflect upon the day at hand a plethora of memories are stirred in my soul.
Chester Lynn Sivyer– WW1…. child of the Most High God, crossed over 1965. Donald Stuart Sivyer— Korean War…. child of the Most High God, still at his post.
President Ronald Reagan, responsible for the stirring of many, a post Vietnam War, sport to love and appreciate what The Most High God had blessed the American people with. Many of my friends from the Southfield Michigan area, who never came home.
Chester Sivyer……………born 1899……Born Again.. 1927!…..Grandfather
Donald Sivyer Sr…………born1927…….Born Again.. 1974!…..Father
Mildred Sivyer Mueller…born 1899……Born Again.. 1978!…..Grandmother
Luis Mueller………………..born 1900……Born Again ..1978!…..Grandfather
Donald Sivyer Jr………….born 1952……Born Again.. 1972!…..Yours truly
David Sivyer……………….born 1958……Born Again..1975!…..Brother
Jeremiah Sivyer…………..born 1976……Born Again..1990!…..Son
And they brought them out, and said, Sirs what must I do to be saved?
And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house
And they spake unto unto him the word the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house
………….When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be;
………….When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!
……………………………….HOW GREAT THOU ART!!!!
My brother is a soldier in the US Army Reserves.
To him and to others like him, we’ll always owe our gratitude.
~Freedom is not free~