Column: This is the real meaning of Memorial Day (Tampa Bay Times)

Column: This is the real meaning of Memorial Day
By Jack Levine,
special to the Tampa Bay Times
Friday, May 26, 2017 4:53pm

CHERIE DIEZ | Times

Charles Johansen, 4, left, and his sister Colleen Johansen, 7, of St Petersburg walk among the graves during the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System's Memorial Day ceremony at the Bay Pines National Cemetery in St. Petersburg, FL, Monday, 5/30/2016. Prior to the ceremony volunteers from the community marked more than 35,000 graves at the cemetery with U.S. flags to honor the men and women who served the nation. U.S. Rep. David Jolly, 13th Congressional District of Florida, was among those giving remarks along with keynote speaker, U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. (ret.) Martin R. Steele. Lt. Gen. Steele rose from the rank of private to three-star general, serving three tours of duty on two continents, with a tenure as the longest serving Chief Operating Officer in the history of the Marine Corps. He culminated his military career as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans, Policies, and Operations at Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps, in Washington, D.C. in August 1999. The ceremony also included musical performances by the Brass Ring Quintet, a 21- gun salute, and the placement of the ceremonial wreath at the base of the memorial monument at the entrance to the cemetery. 

Memorial Day is our nation's commemoration of the sacrifices made by those whose lives were lost for the freedoms we hold sacred.

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Whether our veterans survived their military service, or were killed on the field of battle, our country owes each of them, and their families, a debt of gratitude.

As we look back at the wars proposed by presidents, declared by Congress, and supported to varying degrees by our citizens, let's remember that none of these conflicts were or, to this day, are immune from political and social controversy.

But we should never confuse debate over military policy with the need to be respectful of those whose lives are at risk on the battlefield, in the air, or on the seas.

Our nation has been the destination of choice for great waves of immigrants from the world's most frightening and repressive nations. My father and maternal grandparents were three of those immigrants, and perhaps your family has its story of freedom-seeking relatives.

I am very conscious of the history of our African-American neighbors whose ancestors came shackled in the holds of slave ships, and Native Americans whose ancestors were slaughtered or subjected to racist cruelties.

I believe with all my heart that we should know our own history and should passionately advocate so that the children of all families can enjoy the opportunity to be free from the threats of injustice, oppression and terror.

Our freedoms were earned, bled for and, in many cases, died for.

Memorial Day presents the chance to gather our thoughts and honor the military service of our parents and grandparents, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins.

These individuals either volunteered or were drafted, wore the uniform of our armed forces, and gave all or a portion of their lives in service to our nation and its allies.

In honor of those we've lost, let's not be passive about the importance of their sacrifice. In their honor, let's pledge to participate in the following advocacy activities:

• Register, vote and urge others to do the same. Democracy demands dedication and active participation!

• Actively communicate with our elected officials about issues affecting families, including military families and people with special challenges. Remember, our elected officials work for us!

• Share your thoughts in the media by writing letters to the editor and interviewing with reporters. Media is our most cost-effective megaphone.

• Motivate youth to exercise their voice in matters which affect them. The next generation of advocates need good role modeling.

• Confront those who think that complaining about problems is sufficient. Whining is not as good as winning! Silence is not golden when there are wrongs to be corrected.

• Honor community leadership and promote active involvement by family members, friends, colleagues and neighbors as volunteers, whom I call "time philanthropists."

• Support causes which focus on advocating positive change, prevention policies and innovative program. Spectatorism doesn't produce progress.

In honor of the fallen, let's recommit to a brighter future for all generations.

Jack Levine is founder of Tallahassee-based 4Generations Institute, an initiative dedicated to uniting our generations for mutual benefit, and may be reached at jack@4gen.org.