Those who serve deserve recognition
Published 7:44 pm Monday, May 28, 2007
By Staff
On Monday, May 28, Americans will celebrate Memorial Day and recognize the outstanding men and women who have so selflessly answered our nation's call to service.
Memorial Day is also an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the sacrifices of the members of our armed forces - both those currently wearing the uniform and those who have served in the past.
For almost 140 years, Americans have continued the strong tradition of recognizing and remembering the heroes of the past, the men and women who put their lives and careers on hold to take arms and stand together as a part of the American military.
Each year on Memorial Day, there are ceremonies and celebrations in cities and towns all across the United States. At Arlington National Cemetery, every available member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry placed American flags on over 260,000 gravestones and about 7,300 niches at the columbarium.
Prayer services and parades were held to pay tribute to our living veterans and to honor the memory of the dead. I spent this Memorial Day at the South Alabama Veterans' Council (SAVC) annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery in Mobile.
We cannot forget to thank the families of those who served in harm's way. Military service is truly a shared sacrifice. Husbands, wives, children, mothers, fathers