COMMON SENSE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE
MEMORIAL DAY
2022
 
As we gaze upon the above picture of rows and rows of gravestones, it is hard to fathom that over 1,300,000 Patriots, men and women, have given their lives in all wars and conflicts for our Republic since the Revolutionary War. They all heard the call to serve their country and gave their life for an ideal like no other in the world. The ideal - to protect our way of life, our freedom, liberty, self-determination and to protect our Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Throughout history they heard the call to duty. To honorably serve their country. The giving of their lives for our country, its people and an ideal make them all heroes.
 
Memorial Day evolved from the need to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Memorial Day began as Decoration Day shortly after the Civil War. Freed slaves wanted to honor Union Soldiers for their sacrifice. Decoration Day was designated as the 30^th of May in 1868. It was one day of the year to “decorate” the graves of those who gave their lives in defense of our country. Memorial Day was officially recognized as a national holiday by Congress in 1968 but did not become effective until May 30, 1971. The realization was that throughout our nation’s history and numerous wars, all military personnel should be honored for their sacrifices to our country. They gave their all.
 
Families and descendants of those who served and died giving their selves for our nation will take time out on May 30^th to honor and celebrate their loved one’s ultimate sacrifice. Because Memorial Day created a three-day holiday weekend, families use that time to take trips or vacations therefore the true meaning of Memorial Day is sadly and slowly eroding.
 
Even though Memorial Day was designated to remember and honor veterans who gave their lives, for some its meaning has evolved to include non-veterans. There is nothing wrong with that. it is right to honor our friends and loved ones during this time, however, let us not forget the real reason for Memorial Day.
 
It is extremely sad that this Memorial Day we see and experience unspeakable violence against innocent children. The senseless deaths of children and teachers in Uvalde, Texas is the latest in several violent incidents over recent years perpetrated by very disturbed and sick people. Mental health is a serious problem in our nation and must be addressed sooner than later.
 
This Memorial Day let’s take five minutes out of our schedule to pray for the families of the parents, their children and teachers murdered in Uvalde, Texas. Take five minutes to decorate a veteran grave and thank God for those who served in uniform, giving their lives so we may be free. Freedom is never free and those who have gone before us paid with their lives so we may enjoy our freedom.  “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.” John 15:13. God bless the families of veterans who have sacrificed their all and those who still fight for their life every day. My God bless you and our CSC family on this solemn day of remembrance.
 
Cody Phillips
Interim President,
Common Sense Campaign, TEA Party