Today is Memorial Day and even though we all celebrate it every year I am not sure I ever knew how it came to be. Its not like Christmas or Halloween or the 4th of July (although similar roots). I never remember actually learning about it in school, except maybe the fact that we had the day off. I have always confused it with Labor Day in September. So I decided to take a few minutes and find out about this day we all celebrate that seems to be gaining more and more attention with each passing year.

It began around the end of the Civil War with freed slaves remembering the fallen soldiers that helped to free them. This is where the roots to the 4th of July are similar. People remembering and celebrating those who helped to free them. My grandfather served in Korea. Very few even know what this war was about or for (myself included) but my grandfather had no doubt about why he served. He knew it was the best thing he could do, and I do believe he truely enjoyed serving his country (tehe that was evident by the girl he had tattooed on his arm). He was the best man I think I've ever known. He had no problem helping those that needed it. Yes you got his 2 cents along with it but it was a small price to pay. Thankfully he didnt pay the ultimate price, I wouldnt be here if he had, but he was affected by what he saw. He had stories of things over there that were things I never want to see. He was with the recovery, he went in after the fighting was over and helped the wounded and dying.

I am so thankful to those who serve and who risk life and limb on a daily basis for us. So while we celebrate with cook outs and pool parties and they sit in the hell of Afghanistan or Iraq please remember the real reason we celebrate today! Remember and celebrate those who have fought and died for our freedom!

Jesse Wilkerson VanDyke USN (1934-2008)