By JC Bowman
My Great Uncle PFC Maxwell (Max) Green, United States Marine Corps, pictured standing far left. Taken during his service in World War II.
My Great Uncle Maxwell (Max) Green in his final resting place at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was killed in action on December 27, 1944 while engaging the enemy in Europe.
Memorial Day is not just another long weekend to celebrate. For families who have lost loved ones who sacrificed their lives for their country, it has particular meaning. It did in my family.
The day is one of profound remembrance. This occasion invites us to pause, reflect deeply, and pay tribute to the brave Americans who sacrificed their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms we hold dear.
A society that understands its history is far better equipped to navigate the complexities of a turbulent present. Teaching American history in our educational institutions is essential for nurturing informed citizens, fostering critical thinking, and cultivating a cohesive national identity. Our children need to know our history to appreciate it.
Every flag that proudly waves across this great nation carries profound significance. As the poignant saying reminds us, “Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” Freedom is not simply a gift; it is a hard-fought treasure, secured through the ultimate sacrifice.
The origins of Memorial Day trace back to the Civil War, when it was known as Decoration Day. During that time, families gathered to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. This simple yet deeply meaningful act of remembrance continues to resonate today, reminding us that the gift of liberty always comes at a cost.
Too often, we enjoy the blessings of freedom without fully recognizing the sacrifices others have made to safeguard it. Ronald Reagan wisely cautioned that “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Like many other Americans, Reagan understood that liberty can endure only when individuals are willing to defend, protect, and ensure that it is passed on to future generations.
The brave men and women we honor on Memorial Day embodied this spirit of selflessness. They placed duty above personal interests, believing that certain ideals were worth defending, even at the cost of their lives.
John F. Kennedy astutely observed, “The highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Memorial Day compels us not only to express our gratitude but also to embody purpose, responsibility, and respect for the freedoms we often take for granted.
George S. Patton’s powerful words serve as a reminder: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” Franklin D. Roosevelt warned that nations can easily forget the sacrifices that secured their freedom unless they remain vigilant.
These sentiments hold true today, underscoring a reality often overlooked: freedom is fragile, and the price of sacrifice is real. Ask any veteran who served alongside those who “didn’t make it back.” All gave some, but some gave all.
As we observe this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember those who never returned home. Let us honor their memory not only through ceremonies and heartfelt speeches but also by living lives marked by gratitude, service, and integrity.
For your tomorrow, we gave our today; they might remind us. May we always remain mindful of the profound debt we owe to those who served.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. Permission to reprint in whole or in part is hereby granted, provided that the author and the association are properly cited. For more information on this subject or any education issue please contact Professional Educators of Tennessee. To schedule an interview please contact info@proedtn.org or 1-800-471-4867.
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