Weekly Column: Memorial Day--Honoring Idaho's Fallen Heroes

Idahoans coming together in communities across our great state to honor our fallen heroes is a heartfelt reflection of the deep respect Idahoans have for those who lay down their lives in service to our country. 

The modern observance of Memorial Day grew from Civil War-era community observances, in which friends and families gathered to remember those lost in the war.  Over time, as this local practice caught on, it became known as Decoration Day.  Later, honoring the fallen of all the nation’s wars, it became Memorial Day.  It has been a day of remembrance born at the grassroots level.

Thank you to all those who gather to honor our fallen heroes at Memorial Day events throughout Idaho, and especially, thank you to all those who have served our nation and support the service of others.  A commitment to honoring the service of Idahoans who protect and defend our nation is a fundamental part of Idaho communities. 

Idahoans have established many places and events around our great state that provide opportunities to honor military families and reflect on their immense service.  An example is the Field of Heroes assembled annually in Pocatello.  For more than 20 years, volunteers have been putting up crosses to honor those who lost their lives serving our nation.  A name is given on each representative cross, a name that represents commendable service and sacrifice. 

As we consider the scope of the service of those we honor on Memorial Day, we also must remember that all of the lovingly maintained markers or headstones in various cemeteries are memorials to men and women like us.  They had wives, husbands and children waiting at home.  There were anxious parents praying for their safe return.  They had hopes, dreams and aspirations.  Unfortunately, many of these were never to be realized.  In what is surely the greatest sacrifice that any person can make for another, they laid down their lives far from home, so that we can be safe from harm.

Former Union General and Ohio Congressman James Garfield reportedly spoke at the first national commemoration of what was then Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery.  His words illuminate the enormity of the sacrifice of those honored: “For love of country they accepted death . . . and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.” 

Idahoans honored during Memorial Day services live on in the lives of all of us who live free and secure because of their admirable action.  Their individual stories, characteristics, hopes, dreams and virtues are forever etched in the hearts of those who love them and were blessed to sit close to their lights for far too short of a time. 

This Memorial Day, like all Memorial Days, we honor extraordinary Americans lost in service to our country.  In doing so, we also hold their families in our hearts as they continue to bear the price of service to our country. 

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