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Perspective: The genuine meaning of Memorial Day

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Next Monday is Memorial Day, an almost unique holiday for us. We do not celebrate with joy; rather, we honor fallen soldiers with wistful sadness in our hearts. Part of that sadness stems from the fact that so many of us know, or knew, some of those we honor.

We honor those brave men and women who gave what Lincoln termed “the last full measure of devotion.” We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country—or rather, for us. Given what they did, mere words seem inadequate.

We honor those who died giving birth to our country. We honor those who preserved the Union and ended what Lincoln labeled “the scourge of slavery.” Included as honorees are the Black soldiers who were fighting to make this country their country.

We honor those who fell in two world wars, wars fought for at least partially altruistic reasons. Among those we honor are the Japanese Americans who in World War II formed one of the most decorated combat units, while many of their family members languished in detention centers here at home.

We honor those who fell in Korea and Vietnam, while most of us simply went about our business here at home. We honor those who today still fight the long, lonely twilight war against terrorism.

What is a common theme in all these acts of heroism? In an old war novel an admiral, witnessing extraordinary heroism, wonders, “Where do we find such men?” Today, equally awestruck, we ask, “Where do we find such men and women?”

I’m Bob Evans, and that is my perspective.

Robert Evans is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Economics, Business and Accounting at Rockford University and Associate Director of the Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship. He is actively involved in the Rockford University public policy program, trains managers on law-related topics, is a political consultant and analyst, and also serves on non-profit boards.