by Jerry Esmay, Stevensville
Another Memorial Day has passed. For this old soldier it was both a positive experience and a negative experience.
On the positive side, I was able to participate in placing flags on veteran graves, rode on a float in the Corvallis parade, and attended the American Legion ceremonies at the Stevensville cemeteries.
Visiting the headstones of our departed veterans always causes me to reflect on how many of my fellow citizens have answered the call to defend this great country. Without their willingness to put their lives on hold knowing that they may have to make the ultimate sacrifice stirs my inner soul. I also have to wonder how many of us fail to think about this because we are too busy with our three-day holiday activities.
Riding the float in the Corvallis parade is always fun. The physical recognition through handwaving and the smiles of the adults is heart-warming, but the little kids waving their flags really boosts my morale. But, I also have to wonder how many came to the parade to salute the veterans versus how many came to watch the hot rods “burn out.” Additionally, I can’t help but notice how many adults fail to honor our flag by not getting to their feet, removing their hats and placing their hand over their heart when the Color Guards march by.
The ceremonies at the cemeteries consisted of the Commander of Fort Owen Post 94 reading a short Memorial Day poem, followed by the firing of three volleys and the playing of Taps. Appropriate honors, in my opinion, for the veterans who are buried in the individual cemeteries. But, even though we try to publicize the ceremonies, few non-Legion citizens show up. I guess most are still too busy with other holiday activities.
Folks, I hope this causes you to truly reflect on how you viewed and participated in Memorial Day 2025, and maybe provide motivation to be more attuned to what this holiday is all about next year.
Mike Miller says
Happy Birthday, U S Army! Thank you!
Today is the Army’s 250th birthday. The Army is the first of our country’s defenses, and the largest. Without the continued successes of that Army, we wouldn’t be the USA.
Sadly, I see lots of petty, vile, and crude comments below (and probably more will be added on top), and very few of gratitude, which, to me, is very disappointing, especially in this county of so many Veterans that have sacrificed so much for all, including the haters. How many of the haters will gladly celebrate our Day of Independence on July 4th, all the while making disparaging comments regarding the very military people that made that day possible?
To have so much hate for a President who called for this celebration that you hate the action of what he has called to celebrate is quite telling of the people who claim to be loving and tolerant, and once in a rare while, even patriotic.
Trump did not pick his birthday; it’s merely a coincidence. For all of you who so negatively focus on the micro, rather than the macro, the very reason that fights for you, is very telling of the selfish pettiness consuming you.
I challenge all the haters to not only find some Veterans today, but convincingly and truthfully tell them you have deep appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifices and loss of friends. Then, do this again on Memorial Day, July 4th, Veteran’s Day, and so on. If you really want to give more than lip service, volunteer to drive the Veterans to their appointments when they can’t. DAV dot Org (I’d like to put the actual link, but I get censored when I do) needs drivers, and the Veterans need to get to their appointments.
Happy 250th Birthday, U S Army! And coming up fast, the Navy and Marines!
WMA says
Mike,
Since you have so much respect for veterans, I assume you voted for Jon Tester, who sponsored more legislation to help them than anyone else in recent memory.
Mike Miller says
First, congratulations on finally learning how to “reply” correctly; that helps a conversation flow more smoothly.
Second, Tester wasn’t mentioned in the original LTE. Your straw man argument has no place here.
Third, my voting isn’t your business, and vice versa.
Lastly, I notice you have no interest in helping Veterans getting to/from their appts. And you clearly miss the point about the LTE’s last comment: “Folks, I hope this causes you to truly reflect on how you viewed and participated in Memorial Day 2025, and maybe provide motivation to be more attuned to what this holiday is all about next year.” That speaks volumes about you, WMA.
Howard S. says
Military parades are for China, North Korea, and Nazi Germany. This is the United States and we don’t do that sort of thing here. If you feel you need to tell everyone how strong and powerful you are, you’re not. The parade is a disgrace and I can only hope for massive protests against it.
Bill Cavanaugh says
France has a military parade every year Howard.. Ronald Reagan told and showed everyone how strong we were and it ended the Cold War. Maybe you should do even the slightest bit of research before spouting off.
Howard S. says
Sorry, I forgot about the famous military powerhouse France. So, Reagan held a bunch of Military parades during his time in office? Did he combine them with his birthday party?
Bill Canaugh says
It’s the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army genius.
Bill Cavanaugh says
The second Continental Congress established the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. That’s 250 years ago.
Are there any other facts you would like me to correct?
Mike Miller says
Howard, you’re wrong. It’s a documented fact we’ve had military parades since our Independence.
That you feel a parade to honor our Army, which fought for our freedom, interests, and values, for 250 years now, “is a disgrace and I can only hope for massive protests against it.” seems quite dismissive and petty. Does that mean you won’t be celebrating July 4th?
John Grant says
Since when do Draft Dodgers deserve Military Parades?
President BONESPURS is a DRAFT DIDGER.
Mike Miller says
First, the parade wasn’t to celebrate Trump, but for our nation and the 250th anniversary of the U S Army. You know, the army that was formed by volunteers back in 1775 and fought for our independence. Planning for that celebration started when Biden was still president, FYI.
Trump didn’t pick his birthday any more than you did.
Clinton and Biden were also draft dodgers and there were military parades for them.
Robert Thomas says
Are our concerns for the feelings of the mothers of dead troops on all combative sides in a battle equal?