Justine - Mrs. Gatling
English
May 26, 2000

Memorial Day is a day of remembering all those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day first started when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery (we went there!). The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring the dead on separate days until World War I. But soon after, the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War, to those Americans who died in any war. Not all states observe the same dates for Memorial Day. Here, it is celebrated on May 30th, the last Monday of May.

Just to think of the soldiers who have fought for the sake of our nation’s service should be enough to convince  everyone of the great risk they’ve taken. Without them, who knows in what condition America would be suffering. We would not be the strongest country on the face of the earth, and someone else could be ruling us, controlling our rights and our independence. There would probably be more wars and problems, invasions and more money troubles. I may have exaggerated over a little bit, but you just never know, this could have happened if it weren’t for those soldiers!

During our trip to Washington D.C., we stopped by Virginia and visited the Arlington National Cemetery. There, we checked out the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Those guards do not only protect the 3 mystery soldiers, but also proved their loyalty to their country. The Unknowns showed great citizenship, and showed how far they would go for their own nation. These are honest men who symbolize the typical soldier.

The guards are admired, and specially selected to guard the Tomb of the Unknowns. They are examples of heroes. They march 21 steps back and forth every hour, even during the worst weather nature can give us. They are brave, and a great example of the ideal soldier of the United States of America.

As we all know, the soldiers made an ultimate sacrifice for the Americans. They were willing to lose their lives because they were courageous, and felt that it was the best thing to do. They were protecting strangers, who they never even met during their lives, and these strangers depended on them. They are our heroes, and we are their people.

Reading an article about Memorial Day defined the most significant purpose this holiday has. It widened my knowledge. Though I am not a "pure" American-born citizen, I still dwell in this country and follow its rules. Therefore, I should also look back to those who "made a difference" and remember them as long as I live. I may not have any loved ones who were involved in any American wars, but for those who do, they should all be proud of their relatives in every way.