Memorial Day

By Mateo Sakata

Since the founding of our country over 200 years ago, American soldiers have bravely fought in numerous wars, on our homeland and also abroad. Unfortunately, many have died bravely in the name of freedom. During WW1, 117,000 American soldiers died, about 416,800 died in World War II, Vietnam saw 58,220 during the war in the 1960s and 70s, and almost 7000 brave soldiers died in Iraq and Afghanistan. That also doesn't count the over 600,000 who fought in the Civil War. In all, over a million U.S. soldiers had died in wars since our founding.

Memorial Day is the day we pay our respects to the people who have served not only in the military, but also the ones back at home who have protected us and sacrificed their lives for freedom. The holiday wasn’t an official federal holiday until 1971 but Americans started to honor our fallen soldiers after the Civil War. At first, only the military was really honored, but after 9/11 firefighters and policemen gained much more respect for their heroic actions.

Traditionally families, friends, and really anybody would decorate the graves of their lost one with flowers, candles and letters. Some gatherings have been held by communities and families. Memorial Day also means to make sure you spend this holiday remembering our active duty family and friends, and make sure you thank them for what they have done. On this sacred federal holiday, let's take a moment of silence to think about those brave soldiers and individuals who paid with the ultimate sacrifice.