Memorial Day 2009

Mt. Pulaski [American Legion Hall due to inclement Weather]

Sgt. Mark Ballard Speech

We are gathered today to pay tribute and to remember those who have sacrificed for our country.  Today, I wish to share  a little about the history of Memorial Day, why it is a time to honor and remember our servicemembers who have given their lives for our country and how you can honor our local servicemembers for their sacrifices.

       The history and tradition of Memorial Day started more than 100 years ago.  Memorial Day, originally called Decorations Day, was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, ( a veterans organization) and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

       By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30th throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating May 30th as Memorial Day and soon the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.

       It was not until after World War One that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.  It was not until 1971 when Congress passed the national Holiday Act that designated the last Monday in May as Memorial Day.  

       Since then, this day has been recognized to honor those who have fallen in service to their country and to decorate their graves with flags of this great nation.

       Our men and women in uniform are our most powerful line of defense in the current conflict against terrorists and extremists. They come from all parts of America and have answered the call to duty.

       Since the current conflicts of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom the Illinois National Guard has had 27 casualties; 5 female and 22 males, ranks ranging from SPC to 1LT.  The Illinois National Guard has had 15 casualties from Iraq and 12 from Afghanistan ages ranging from 19-59.  Of those 27 casualties, 11 have been from the 33rd IBCT, who is currently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

       I know in many local cemeteries lie veterans who have served our country with pride, in times of conflict and in times of peace. Let us pay tribute today to the dead, but also to our current veterans.

       On this Memorial Day, let us recognize the tradition of paying tribute to all who have served and sacrificed.  Too often Memorial Day is thought of as the start of summer.  

       To some  it is a day for cookouts, ballgames and getting together over a long weekend with the true tradition and meaning of Memorial Day being lost. 

       I strongly encourage Americans to spend time on Memorial Day commemorating the day as it was intended. Let us make a personal commitment to do two things in the coming weeks to honor those servicemembers from our community.

       Number one. Visit the gravesites of fallen servicemembers to silently thank them for their service. Taking a brief moment to visit a cemetery, to place a flag on the grave a of military member who proudly served our country, or to just remember and silently thank them, will keep the tradition and the meaning of Memorial Day what it was meant to be.

       Number two. The next time you see a servicemember, or a veteran, shake their hand. Whether it is a servicemember pumping gas at a local station or a veteran standing along a parade route saluting Ol’ Glory, let them know you appreciate their bravery and thank them for what they stand for.

       Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have given their lives for our country.

       By understanding some of the history and tradition behind Memorial Day, I hope you will have a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform. Though there are no official words to the eloquent sound, its tune is recognized instantly.  Composed by Major General Daniel Butterfield, during the Civil War, Taps is the solemn and haunting melody that stirs many emotions. It is a tradition in the United States military that we recognize to signal the end of the day. Most of us have heard it played at funerals and Memorial Day events to honor and say good-bye to a fallen comrade.

       Today, in respect and admiration, we remember all those who proudly served our nation, but did not make it home. Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who have served and given their lives for our country.  The military is full of traditions . . . of customs and courtesies. By understanding the history of Memorial Day and respecting those traditions, we honor those that have gone before us and laid the foundations we stand on today.

       From the salute rendered to the flag when it passes by, to the sounds of  Revelry or Taps, we honor our American traditions and our service members.  Like the brave veterans who lie in eternal sleep at our nation’s cemeteries, today’s servicemembers continue to prove they are willing to risk everything and to give up the comforts of life so we can go about our days freely, without fear. That is why today is a day to honor all our servicemembers who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

       It’s important that we understand that freedom isn’t free and we owe our liberty to those who gave their all.  We must stop and remember - - not only those who died in war - - but all servicemembers whose sacrifice may not have received the national attention they deserved . . . those who have been lost in other places around the world like Somalia or Grenada and Panama.  Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance.

       Every member of the Unites States military follows another tradition, a code that we respect.  The military creed, though varied by each branch of service, affirms oneself to defend and protect the United States of America and the values we hold dear.  Many have died honoring this creed.

       Tradition abounds as we participate in solemn ceremonies across our state and our country. Speeches are given honoring those who gave their lives. Wreaths are laid. Taps is played.

       We recognize their sacrifice and honor their memory, but also realize that while it is the least measure of respect we owe them, it is meager payment when compared to the dear price they paid for their service.

       Together through their precious blood, they have helped to secure the blessings of freedom we continue to enjoy today.

       We offer them our eternal thanks for this irreplaceable gift.  We must remember it is a time of reflection and remembrance for servicemen and women that gave their lives.  I hope that each of you will reflect on the traditions we observe this day and the selfless service and sacrifice of the countless American servicemembers who have given the most precious gift possible - life itself.

       Remember the sound of Taps and the melody that carries so much emotion.  In this way, we will take the spirit of Memorial Day beyond the boundaries of one day a year. Let us continue to make sure these heroes are never forgotten, today and always. 

       The next time, when you hear Taps, I hope you will have a better understanding of the meaning behind the notes and you will understand the tradition. I hope you will feel the same pride I do every time I hear its haunting melody.

       Thank you for taking a moment with me today.