Opinion
Wilton Bulletin Editorial: Remember them with honor

May 23, 2008

First and foremost, Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who died in the service of their country.

It’s a time of thanksgiving, of counting one’s blessings and acknowledging that none of those blessings comes without a cost.

This year, controversy over just who is allowed to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice reared its head in the form of a denial to march for one group. It is hopeful that this situation can be resolved before Monday’s parade, as acrimony and outrage should not be the prevailing emotion of the day.

Equally so, those who may march with Veterans for Peace — if allowed to do so — should take care not to upset the sensitive feelings that are brought to the forefront on that day.

For World War II veterans and the rest, Memorial Day can bring forth mixed emotions of pride, sadness, anger and frustration. For Wilton residents, the cost of this particular war to our community is still an open wound.

It is often difficult to separate politics from patriotism — particularly during times of war, especially during times of a contentious war — but those marching and those watching do a great disservice to those who have lost their lives by allowing partisanship and rancor to rule the day.

Our soldiers have fought and died with honor. We must remember them with honor.

On the other side of Memorial Day is the hesitancy to celebrate joyously on such a somber occasion.

There is a danger that the pomp and circumstance of Memorial Day parades and fairs, parties, concerts, hot dogs, and barbecues may seem trivial at a time when we are supposed to be honoring our war dead. But in reality, Memorial Day activities are all the more glorious because they are the embodiment of the very freedoms our country was built upon.

The freedom to mourn and to celebrate together in public, to play and to work as we see fit, to shout and sing and cheer, to express pride in one’s country and community — these are freedoms we all too often take for granted. But they are hard-earned and we enjoy them because of the sacrifice of others.

Do not take them for granted this weekend. Remember and enjoy.

© Copyright 2008 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers