Honor heroes past and present on Memorial Day

Assemblyman Tom Harman

On May 31, we observe Memorial Day, a time to reflect upon the

generations of America’s bravest who gave their lives to preserve our

freedom.

In his 2003 Memorial Day proclamation, President Bush noted that

“On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the

sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for

the cause of freedom and security of our Nation.” Continuing, he

declared that “by honoring these proud soldiers, sailors, airmen,

marines, and coast guardsmen lost throughout our country’s history,

we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they

fought and died to preserve.”

As we observe Memorial Day, we should not view the occasion as

another holiday from work or school, or as the traditional first day

of summer. While America’s finest died to protect our right to be

free, Memorial Day should inspire all of us to reflect upon the

bravery of those men and women who sacrificed for our country.

There are several things you can do to honor the memory of those

who have fallen in battle. Honoring our lost soldiers can be as

simple as flying the American flag at half-staff until noon, or

observing a moment of silent prayer during the National Moment of

Remembrance at 3 p.m. A touching sentiment we can all make is to

visit a veterans’ cemetery, placing American flags or flowers on the

final resting places of our heroes.

Another way you can remember our fallen soldiers is to wear a red

poppy on Memorial Day. Georgia school teacher Moina Michael was a

volunteer in the YMCA during World War I, and was moved to honor

those who died during the war by the famous poem “In Flanders

Fields.” Inspired, she wrote her own poem, declaring that: “We

cherish too, the Poppy red that grows on fields where valor led, it

seems to signal to the skies, that blood of heroes never dies.”

Michael was the first to wear a red poppy, and sold them to her

friends and co-workers to benefit veterans in need.

As we remember the men and women of the military who died

protecting our nation, it is also important to remember those who

never returned. We must never forget their bravery when honoring our

fallen heroes.

On Memorial Day this year, I encourage all Californians to take

time to remember the ultimate sacrifices given by our brave men and

women in the armed forces. Because of their service, we’re able to

live in a country that embodies freedom and prosperity.

Thank you, and let us all thank those who have fallen to protect

America.

* TOM HARMAN is a California Assemblyman representing Huntington

Beach. He is also a Huntington Beach resident. To contribute to

“Sounding Off” e-mail us at hbindy@latimes.com or fax us at (714)

965-7174.