Memorial Day. The start of the summer season, barbecues, cold beers, and hot days. But Memorial Day is more than just a day off work or school – it’s a day to pause and reflect on those brave individuals who gave their lives for our country. We recently celebrated Armed Forces Day: honoring those currently serving. Memorial Day is about those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Although it’s nice to thank a veteran on Memorial Day, that’s really not what it’s about.

Though many of us enjoy having an extra day with friends and family at this time of year, it’s important to remember why we have this holiday: to honor the fallen heroes who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and safety. As you cook out in your backyard or take a dip in your pool this Memorial Day weekend, consider taking some time out of your schedule to truly recognize what makes this day meaningful.

The History and Importance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually on the last Monday in May. This day is a time for Americans to remember and honor the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

Origins of Memorial Day

While the exact origins of Memorial Day are unknown, it is believed to have started in the aftermath of the Civil War. During the war, families and communities across the country were deeply affected by the loss of soldiers. In 1866, a group of women in Columbus, Mississippi, gathered to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers who had died in battle. This event is considered to be one of the first Memorial Day commemorations.

Over time, this tradition spread throughout the country, with communities coming together to honor their fallen heroes. In 1868, General John A. Logan, who was the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans’ organization, declared that May 30th would be designated as Decoration Day, a day for the nation to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.

Eventual Evolution

Over the years, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, and the holiday was extended to honor all fallen U.S. military personnel. In 1971, the U.S. Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, and it became an opportunity for Americans to come together, attend parades and ceremonies, and visit cemeteries to pay their respects.

The Importance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a significant holiday that brings together Americans of all backgrounds to remember the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. military. It is a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives while serving the country, protecting democracy, and preserving freedom.

While the day may be marked with memorials, parades, and fireworks, it is also a time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of the holiday – to honor the fallen soldiers who have courageously fought for our country. Memorial Day reminds us that these brave men and women should never be forgotten, and their memory should be passed down to future generations.

Memorial Day is an essential day of observance in the United States. We must take a moment to stop, reflect and honor the sacrifices of those who have died in service to our country. It is an opportunity to recognize the selflessness of our fallen heroes and to join together to show support and respect for the families they left behind. As we celebrate Memorial Day every year, we remember the sacrifice of the brave men and women who have defended our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice in our name.

Need Someone To Remember This Memorial Day? The Story of My Friend Bob Beutel

If you don’t have a family member or friend to remember this Memorial Day, please keep my friend Bob Beutel in your thoughts and prayers. I met Bob in 1970 at George AFB, and we trained together in the 4546th Tactical Training Squadron. Bob was just out of nav school, and myself fresh out of pilot training. We quickly became friends.

Six months later, I was headed to Kadena AB Okinawa as an F-4 Aircraft Commander (AC), and Bob was off to Ubon AB Thailand as a Weapons System Operator (WSO). On 26 November 1971, Bob was scheduled to fly his last mission before heading to Australia for some well-deserved R&R. He and his AC Jim Steadman took off on a solo ‘night owl’ mission to search for trucks along the Ho Chi Minh trail.

After taking on 6,000 pounds of fuel from a tanker on Cherry Track, Bob and Jim were cleared into their target area. They were last heard from when they switched to tactical frequency, and they were never found. It wasn’t until December 3rd of that year that 1st Lt Robert D Beutel was declared missing-in-action, MIA.

It’s important to honor and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and Bob is just one of the thousands of servicemen and women who never made it home. Please take a moment to read his story and remember him this Memorial Day weekend: OWL-08-MIA.pdf.

A friend of mine, Dick Jonas, recorded many songs about the Vietnam air war. This one, Blue Four, reminds me of the Bob Beutel story.

Memorial Day is important to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We must take a moment of silence to reflect on their courage, bravery, and selflessness.

This Memorial Day weekend, let us also remember Bob Beutel’s story—one of the thousands whose lives were lost in service of our nation. As we come together as Americans to celebrate this holiday with parades, fireworks, and memorials, may we always keep in mind that freedom isn’t free.

Let us never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything so that we could live in a safe world today.