by Sandra Leske
This week we are dedicating our weekly United Way article space to the millions of heroes who have served, protected and died for our country.
Memorial Day, originally named Decoration Day, began during the Civil War with the decoration of the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the conflict. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan, in his General Order Number 11, designated the 30th of May that year to be the day for “…decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country…”. Many wars and 150 years later, we still give pause to remember.
As a matter of full disclosure, I served our great country 25 years ago during the Gulf War Era as an Army Reservist in the 452nd Combat Support Hospital in Milwaukee. I was never activated to full duty, but was ready if my country called. I truly feel my contribution is microscopic in comparison to that of others, so I rarely even mention it. However it is relevant and important to who I am today. Having had that experience and knowing so many outstanding soldiers over those years I’m thankful to have this day to think of them…not knowing where they are now, if they are home with their families, if they were sent into harms way, or if they are still with us.
I have seen friends, family and many who are only a few degrees of separation apart get called away from their families to protect and defend our country. The sacrifice is beyond comprehension. I can’t imagine having been called away from my young family back then, or even today. It hits very close to home - just as I’m sure it does for so many others. We all know someone who served or is serving. Most return home.
For those that didn’t come home, this day is for you. You are memorialized. You are remembered. You are not forgotten…ever. You deserve so much more than a day of remembrance; you deserve our lifetimes of gratitude.
On behalf of the United Way of Sheboygan County, we extend our utmost respect and gratitude to all men and women and their families who are serving our country now, who have in the past and to the families of our fallen soldiers…we are on bended knee with gratitude. We are profoundly grateful and will always remember.