Remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who have dishonored it
Memorial Day 2024 comes as the United States and Europe prepare to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day—the invasion of Normandy. This anniversary will bring extra meaning to this year’s Memorial Day observance — especially for the approximately 120K World War 2 veterans still living. Not because Operation Overlord was one of the largest amphibious military assaults in history but because it marked the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany in defense of Democracy. These remaining heroes, I am certain, would all agree with what former President Ronald Reagan said regarding the importance of paying the ultimate sacrifice of Democracy during the 40th anniversary of D-Day.
“Democracy is worth dying for, because it’s the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”
Memorial Day 2024 also comes on the eve of a presidential general election in which the future of Democracy is in question. Ideally, politics should remain out of Memorial Day. Unfortunately, this year, it cannot. In this election, we will decide between two people with opposing views on service to our country and Democracy.
“Every year, as a nation, we undertake this right of remembrance, for we must never forget the price that was paid to protect our democracy. We must never forget the lives these flags, flowers, and marble markers represent: a mother, a father, a son, a daughter, a sister, a spouse, a friend. An American.” President Joe Biden in May 2023.
“I don’t get it. What’s in it for them?” President Donald Trump, May 2017
Like many of his predecessors, President Biden understands and acknowledges the day's significance. President Trump, however, asks insulting rhetorical questions or, more bluntly, refers to the fallen as “Losers and Suckers.”
Perhaps the one thing that most Americans today do not realize (especially Donald Trump) is the profound and emotional significance of Memorial Day for a minority of the country. Less than 0.5% of the population is in a Gold Star Family. For them, Memorial Day is deeply personal. In addition to the families who lost loved ones, there are those who served our nation in and out of uniform who see Memorial Day through a similar lens. For example consider veterans like retired US Army Colonel Tom Davis and military spouses like Rebekah Sanderlin. Colonel Davis lost two soldiers in Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990’s. Each Memorial Day, he takes time to remember them. Mrs Sanderlin, whose husband is a retired special forces Command Sergeant Major, provided comfort to the families of the fallen.
Although most Americans were insulted by the former President’s words, people like Tom and Rebekah felt a deeper anger toward him for his callous, off-the-cuff remarks. And like them, I, too, question why anyone would see fit to have someone with such an irreverent perspective serve as Commander in Chief.
I am fortunate never to have known anyone who was killed in action, nor did I ever lose someone under my command during my Navy career. Nevertheless, I have always held Memorial Day with reverence. But now, having read both Tom and Rebekah’s stories, each year I will reflect on their experiences and those of my many veteran friends with similar ones.
Moreover, these narratives will inform me as I vote in November.