COMMEMORATION

Memorial Day is a nationally recognized day dedicated to commemorating those who died in service to our country. History suggests the 1860's was the beginning of this remembrance day. The belief is that many planned or spontaneous gatherings of people in various towns began for the purpose of honoring those who died. Those were times of national differences with the Civil War. Differences of many kinds continue even today, but we should remember:

"Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all."

War dead numbers have continued to multiply since those nineteenth century years -- continuing into my lifetime beginning with World War II. Various memorials to individuals and groups have been created throughout the United States. Washington D. C. is the site of some U. S. National Memorials including one to World War II that was opened to the public on April 29, 2004, then dedicated two days before Memorial Day May 29, 2004.

For those living WWII veterans, whose numbers are dwindling yearly, the following audio/video is of significance. I think it is of special interest for those who have been unable to visit the WWII Memorial, as has been my brother's situation from his Hawaiian Islands home. He served in WWII Pacific Theater U. S. Navy Submarine Service Communications. I know he holds in high regard all those who paid the ultimate price for all of us.

http://youtu.be/rXjyxjjnje8

"An extensively narrated video tour of the WWII Memorial the week after it was opened to the public. It was prepared for a veteran with visual and physical impairments who was unable to visit the memorial personally. The filmmaker hopes other veterans will enjoy it too. All inscriptions are read aloud. (Edited down to 10 min.)"