Soldier Asks If Holiday As Lost Its Meaning
By Army Sgt. Jerome Bishop, Special to American Forces Press
Service
(Editor's Note: The
following editorial came last week from a US soldier stationed on
the ground in Iraq. While the following is admittedly not
aviation-related, the questions posed by the author -- and the
message he has for all of us -- should certainly be reflected upon
on this solemn day.)
Not long ago while I was sitting at my desk at work, a fellow
soldier presented an interesting question, not because of what it
was, but because of why he asked it.
"So what's Memorial Day, again?" the soldier asked.
This kind of disturbed me. As it turns out, the confusion came
from the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. While
both are federal holidays to remember our nation's servicemembers
past and present, only one commemorates the living.
The one that doesn't is May 26, the last Monday in May. That one
would be Memorial Day. I just never thought I'd have to explain
that to someone.
When Memorial Day comes around, a lot of thoughts rush to mind.
Memories of picnics with the family, maybe catching the
Indianapolis 500 on TV with a cold beverage in hand or enjoying the
sun at a nearby public pool that just opened for the summer -- all
of which are easily recognizable Memorial Day traditions. All the
while, the true meaning of Memorial Day remains hidden in the back
of our minds -- if it's even there at all.
Commemoration ceremonies and remembrances take place all over
the United States on Memorial Day. We all know it's a holiday. It's
a day off work, and it's got something to do with wars. Most people
my age won't be seen at events like those. I know I've never been
to my town's festivities -- not often, at least.
Four years ago, I would have been the last one to say I wanted
to take time during the day commonly referred to as the beginning
of summer to fill my head with sad memories of our soldiers,
sailors, airmen and Marines who never made it home. That was then.
Three years ago, I was about 60 kilometers north of here on
Logistics Support Area Anaconda near Balad for Memorial Day, and
this year, I'm in Baghdad.
To me and a lot of other servicemembers braving the sand, heat
and bullets in Iraq, Memorial Day carries a new meaning -- to
remember not only those servicemembers we know only by the names on
their tombstones at Arlington National Cemetery, but also the ones
with whom we've shared meals and laughs while trying to make the
best of discomfort.
I'm fortunate enough to say that I haven't lost a friend over
here, but as my job takes me from unit to unit, the list of
acquaintances grows -- and more than a few might not make it
home.
Three years ago, I knew Memorial Day would have a whole new
meaning for me -- and it truly does -- because it could just as
easily have been my name stretched across a banner for hometown
heroes lost in battle.
One day, I'm sure I'll hear that question again: "Which one is
Memorial Day?" or something of the sort. Unlike most people, I'll
have a unique story to tell -- just as we all do.
(Army Sgt. Jerome Bishop serves in the Multinational
Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office, at Camp Liberty.)