Memorial Day

"Lt. Col. David F. Gunn, retired after serving 40 years in the army, says Memorial Day is for reflection and gratitude."

"Lt. Col. David F. Gunn displays several of the medals he has acquired after serving 40 years in the army. During Memorial Day Gunn spends time thinking of friends who died while serving their country."

I sat in with the reporter while he interviewed Lt. Col. David F. Gunn and was surprised by the difference in importance regarding memorial day that separated the two generations. During the epochs of WWII and Vietnam everyone, I feel, was affected on a much more intimate level.  Most had a dad, brother, cousin, uncle or best friend that fought in these wars, and sadly, fought and died.  The draft itself had widespread influence because every young man had the possibility of being called to war.  

Now, there is no draft.  Soldiers enlist themselves. Some go to war, some don't.  But in WWII and Vietnam so many were sent to fight and so many never made it home that establishing a day of remembrance for those soldiers was absolutely necessary.  

I can think of two, maybe 3, friends who are serving in ROTC right now.  The odds of them being sent off to war are unlikely.  Its no wonder this day has become synonymous with barbecuing and picnics.  

Listening to Lt. Col. Gunn speak of his friends who were killed in battle added new perspective to why we celebrate Memorial Day.  Gunn said it was a day for reflection and gratitude.  I guess what I'm grateful for most is the fact that these tragic affects of war are no longer persistent in the younger generation, yet at the same time this generation should use this celebrated day as a time to remember those who have been harshly affected.