On DECORATION Day
Legacies
of the BRAVE!
JACK GREEN, Jon Green’s father, Big Bear City,
CA
By Senator Michael
Morrell -
Each year on Memorial
Day, our nation pauses to reflect on the legacies of those men and women who
have given their lives in service to our country. We honor individuals in every
conflict from our nation’s past, from Valley Forge to Fallujah.
2019 holds special
significance as this year marks the 75th anniversary since
160,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin the liberation
of Europe from Nazi Germany.
D-Day (also known as
Operation Overlord)
saw the loss of more than 9,000 Allied soldiers’ lives in what became one of
the most important events in world history.
In his invasion order,
General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the Supreme Allied Commander, said the
following to the servicemen:
“Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well
equipped and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely. But this is the year
1944! … The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to
victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in
battle.
We will accept nothing less than full victory! Good luck! And let us all
beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.”
Speaking to their determination and
tenacity, Eisenhower recognized the unique character of those in
our Armed Forces – words that continue to resonate today.
Memorial Day traces its start to the
observance of Decoration Day in the years immediately following
the Civil War. It was a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
This Memorial Weekend, we carry forth in that
same tradition, whether we attend a local ceremony with Veterans, visit
military cemeteries, or spend time with families who lost their loved ones.
In rememborance
of our GOLD STAR Families