This past weekend, my Soldier mentality kicked into high gear.  I took time to honor the military and all that goes with Memorial Day.

 

Today is about “Honoring our Nation’s Fallen Heroes” and not about a three-day weekend and shopping sales.

 

Because I understand the various battles that our nations have encountered over the years between the North and the South, I get an opportunity to see things differently than the average person.

 

As a Soldier, I’ve had the opportunity to witness and participate in several staff rides in support of my leadership development as a leader.

 

Staff Rides: The Civil War in Four Minutes

 

Bing Videos

 

Many of us mistakenly drive by historical landmarks all the time, specifically Fort Sumpter where the Civil War began.

 

It’s one of those staff rides that I can remember very well.

 

Fort Sumter Battle Facts and Summary | American Battlefield Trust

 

Therefore, today when I think about Memorial Day, I think about all the bloodshed that was lost and how depending on where you stand in history, be it Confederate or Union.   “If You Know Then You Know.”

 

I’ve also traveled abroad outside of the United States and lived in both the North and the South of the United States and heard it all from both sides.

 

I’ve written papers about various wars in the United States and seen the hatred over the Confederate Flag.

 

Yet, in my humble opinion, our youth today don’t understand the true meaning behind why “All Gave Some-Some Gave All.”

 

Both my father and I collectively served 60 years between us.

 

My Father’s time in service was from 1945-1975 and mine was from 1974-2004 respectively.

 

When I think about the three wars my father served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and me in Desert Storm, I count my blessings that we were both able to return home when others did not.

 

I also believe that when I joined the military in the early 70s there were plenty of history lessons being taught with the end of the Vietnam Era.

 

Understanding “The Road to Freedom” and the sacrifices of those during the Civil War era, especially the black experience, continues to resonate with me having grown up in both the North and the South.

 

Yet when I see a reenactment of specific battles in the South with Confederate victories over Union victories it’s a wonder why a divided nation still exists.

 

Although history often repeats itself, those history lessons of the past are not being taught in schools these days.

 

Maybe it’s my unconscious being conscious from a military perspective knowing everything I went through to get to the point where I am today which brings about this awareness.

 

The North and the South in the Civil War | American Battlefield Trust

 

Hence, why it’s difficult as a Soldier to sit back and watch how Memorial Day is celebrated with “Sales and BBQs.”

 

In taking the time to honor the military and all that goes with Memorial Day only those who are educated understand the importance of Memorial Day.

 

How well do you know your history?

 

When you live in a world where Military Bases’ names are changed because it reflects a Confederate General then you will get a sense of it all.

 

One of the names of a specific military base “Fort Bragg” was changed to “Fort Liberty” and then recently changed back.

 

As a Paratrooper and having been stationed there twice both on Airborne status and without taking sides it does not matter to me the name Bragg was a Confederate Soldier.  It’s part of history that happened years ago.

 

Braxton Bragg – General, Civil War & Confederate | HISTORY

 

Fort Bragg gets its old name, new namesake: WWII vet Roland Bragg : NPR

 

The cost to rename military bases comes at a cost and does not go unnoticed by me.

 

The cost to rename 9 Confederacy-honoring Army bases has doubled

 

“All Gave Some-Some Gave All.”

 

As I continue to think about the origin of Memorial Day and its roots toward the Civil War, when communities began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers; I have spent many hours placing flags on those military cemeteries to show my appreciation for their service.

 

Although the origin has evolved, from honoring Civil War soldiers to honoring all U.S. military personnel who died in service we must thank all for their service to our nation.

 

It wasn’t that long ago 2000, when the “National Moment of Remembrance” Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, encouraging Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.

 

National Moment of Remembrance – The Memorial Day Foundation

 

Therefore, you still have time to pause today and pay tribute and honor of fallen heroes.

 

Today, I challenge you to think about the meaning of Memorial Day and know that “All Gave Some-Some Gave All.”  I know that “Heroes Never Die.”

 

“Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay.” —Barack Obama