“That nation which respects and honors its dead, shall ever be respected and honored itself.”
— Brevet Lt. Col. Edmund B. Whitman, 1868.
English journalist, novelist and poet G.K. Chesterton once wrote, “The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.”
In other words, the true soldier is devoted to his country, his family and to protecting the values that are cherished and held dear.
As it has for over 150 years, Marblehead celebrated Memorial Day on Monday. The town honored those who fought and sacrificed their lives and paid the ultimate price so that we might live in a place of equal opportunity, democratic self-governance, the rule of law, and peace and prosperity.
Unfortunately, these ideals are threatened around the world and here at home. What we once thought were solid, stable American traditions and values that have withstood the test of time are now under attack by institutions, groups of citizens and individuals who are trying to erode the foundations of our democracy.
A visit to Memorial Park plainly yet respectfully honors those from Marblehead who fought and died in the Civil War through the War on Terror, upholding the principles upon which our nation is built.
— The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument honors 138 men who died during the Civil War.
— The World War I Memorial lists the six individuals who “gave their lives for their country during the Great World War.”
— The World War II and Korean War Monument bears the names of 46 Marbleheaders who died during World War II and four who were killed during the Korean War.
— The Vietnam Veterans Memorial shows nine men killed in action during the Vietnam War.
— The War on Terror monument features the three men who gave their lives in this cause.
Two hundred and six men and women bravely gave their lives facing hardship and danger so that we may enjoy “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as articulated in the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago.
Some consider Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer. It’s a time when we fire up our grills, pack our cars with beach gear, or hit the roads knowing we have an extra day away from home. The waterfront is active again with races and regattas lasting into the fall.
The ceremonies, services, parades and reenactments Marblehead hosted around Memorial Day were solemn, respectful ways to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for others. Let us not let the fun and enjoyment of summer overshadow the memory of the 206 men and women who fought and died for us.
We can also honor these men and women through political action and civic engagement, starting with our local elections and override questions in a couple of weeks. Voter turnout is key to a democracy that is robust and healthy.
As another summer begins in Marblehead, may we enjoy the company of family and friends, seek peace in the world and always remember those who came before us and sacrificed their lives so that we may live as our Founding Fathers intended.
