by T. Scott Boatright
Most of us are enjoying a holiday off work today,
A probably undeserved holiday. Simply granted to us by the sacrifice of others.
Granted to us by those who gave all.
Twice a year we honor those who serve to protect us and honor our country.
But only once a year do we officially celebrate a holiday in honor of those who gave their lives in service of us all.
Those who gave all — those who never made it back home after serving to protect us all.
They are the reason we are on holiday today — because of the sacrifices they made.
Remember, today is not Veteran’s Day. It is Memorial Day, and the meaning is much deeper.
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday in May, is a solemn occasion. It is dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave men and women who have died while serving in our military.
This day is meant for reflection and remembrance — not for celebration but for honoring those who laid their lives on the line for those of us who remain.
Veterans Day, which falls on Nov. 11 each year, has a different focus. This day is set aside to honor all U.S. military veterans, both the living and the deceased.
The two holidays are distinctly different. One is to honor those who serve us through military service. The other is to honor those military members who gave their lives protecting the rest.
So do not forget — the two holidays are distinctly different.
Today should not be a day of celebration but instead a day of remembering and honoring those who were willing to lay down their lives for us.
And did.
So today I remember many, but especially Army Sgt. Nicholas J. Olivier of Ruston, who died in 2005, killed on Feb. 23 of that year when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on foot patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.
If I am wrong, please let me know, but that’s the last Ruston native I know of who died in the line of service, although I do still remember Air Force Academy Cadet Jack Lindsey and the way he honored Ruston and is still loved by his hometown.
So, take a minute during your free time today to remember those who gave all.
We are all incredibly fortunate they did.
