Memorial Day is observed on the last day in May. I remember when it used to be called Decoration Day. It used to be a time when flowers were placed on the graves of those men and women who served in the military and are no longer with us. “That is no longer the case, my friends.” Over a million men and women died defending our nation and too many have turned this day into (JUST A DAY OFF).

Let’s forget about yesterday and enjoy your picnic and the coming of summer. Forget about yesterday and yet these Veterans gave you today. The number at Memorial Day Ceremonies is getting smaller and the fanatics that live in our country will be at some rock concert by the thousands.

Tell me why or what has happened. Do these people understand what Memorial Day is or do they even care? Some people say “That was a long time ago,” referring to World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Any event that has already taken place is a long time ago t this type of person.

My grandfather, father, brother and myself spent many years in the armed forces. My brother had to spend an additional year in an Army Hospital after World War II.

I lost many friends and kids that I played with because of World War II and Korea. The average draft age was 19 or 20 so God took them upstairs early. Their families sure don’t think of Memorial Day as just another day off.

I’ll share a secret with you. When I’m alone and I visualize Memorial Day yesteryear and today, I say some curses and get tears in my eyes.

George M. Cohan wrote a song during World War I. It was called, “Over There,” I remember that song word for word. The last words said, “So prepare, say a prayer, then send the word, send the word to beware, we’ll be over, we’re com-ing, oer and we won’t come back till it’s o-ver, o-ver there.”

I think the Million plus men and women that lost their lives defending our country want you to enjoy your cookouts, picnics, day at the beach or whatever you do.

I would like to ask a favor from you for all the Veterans that gave you today. When your day is done, “Let’s beware, Let’s beware, Say a prayer, Say a prayer for all our Veterans Everywhere, Everywhere.”

Thomas Francis Clark