A powerful sight takes over Boston Common every Memorial Day: More than 11,000 American flags are placed across the historic green, one for each Massachusetts man or woman who has died in service to our country, from the Revolutionary War to today.
The image is beautiful, and somewhat overwhelming. Each state and territory could have similar displays (and many do), and the whole of those numbers—more than two million of our brave armed forces throughout history—represents what we honor on Memorial Day.
War is a sacrifice. Our leaders must weigh the benefit of sending our military to fight in order to protect the United States or its allies, or to resolve conflicts abroad. Our all-volunteer armed forces train and prepare, and they fight, understanding the possibility that they may never come home.
They do it because they know that America is an idea worth defending. They work to stop injustice around the world. They do this for us.
This Memorial Day, even if you don’t personally know someone who has died in defense of our country, please take a moment to reflect on the lives that were lost so we can live in peace and freedom.
Cell Phones For Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your donations help active-duty service men and women stay connected with their loved ones at home, and help veterans meet costs for emergency needs.
