Take time to remember a vet this weekend

Published 5:39 pm Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Monday, we will celebrate a holiday that goes back 150 years.

Memorial Day, which was initially set aside to honor Union soldiers who died during the Civil War, has evolved into a day when we honor all servicemen and women, living or dead, whether veterans or on active duty anywhere in the world.

In many ways, it’s fitting that we pay homage to those who gave up a portion of their lives or made the extreme sacrifice of giving their lives in defense of America’s freedoms. When you think about it, America has been in 11 wars, whether declared or undeclared, from the Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom and countless smaller conflicts, and each time men and women have answered the call to serve, whether in the front lines in combat or in a rear area as doctors, nurses, aides or clerks. They all made a contribution to the effort.

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And yet Memorial Day, like Veterans Day, when we are asked to remember the effort and sacrifice of those who served, many people tend to take a rather casual attitude. Some people see the holiday as a day off from work; others see it as a day for special sales. Others see it as the weekend of the Indianapolis 500, which includes a special ceremony honoring the military, while others see the day as a time to picnic and barbecue with friends and family.

For me, Memorial Day has a personal meaning because my father and two of my uncles, all now gone, served in World War II. It was from them that I developed my interest in military history and the European Theater in World War II, where my father and one of my uncles fought.

We need to return to the true meaning of the holiday, and that means attending some of the events occurring to honor our men and women who served and who remain on duty at those far outposts in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Diego Garcia, Guam and other regions that we have to go to an atlas to find.

We’ll have several in Vicksburg, starting with events at the Vicksburg National Military Park like the Mississippi Symphony concert Saturday and the free tours the park will offer Monday. Our two American Legion posts will have the annual Memorial Day Parade Monday followed by a memorial service at the Vicksburg Auditorium and then a wreath laying at the National Cemetery in the Military Park.

So this weekend, while we’re prepping those ribs or steaks for the grill or enjoying Lake Fest at Eagle Lake Saturday, or taking it easy on that party barge somewhere in the river or on a lake somewhere in the area, take time to remember the people who are responsible for all of us enjoying this time, and take time Monday to come downtown and watch the Memorial Day parade or attend the memorial service or the wreath laying.

And while you’re out, if you see a veteran, or know a veteran, tell ’em “thanks.”

John Surratt is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at john.surratt@vicksburgpost.com.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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