Frankly, a time to remember and think of those who served the nation. Living or deceased.

I grant that this started as "Decoration Day" and was a Civil War holiday. It has evolved, as have others, to encompass more wars. In fact, one of my radio listeners informed me, that it was not until the term of LBJ that it was officially named a National Holiday with that title.
            
In the South there is still another day set aside for the Confederate soldiers. In addition, now, to Memorial Day. In other nations there are, of course, similar days---Dedication Day (Australia) for example.

Just two thoughts now about the holiday and the military
   
   I would like to see holidays such as this and Veteran's Day (Armistice Day) and President's Day --whatever that means since it was supposed to honor only 2 people individually--revert back to the real dates and not make 3 Day sales events out of them.

    As to the military --we are getting political here--we now have an all volunteer armed force. What it really means is that we have a force of mercenaries. People who, sadly, need the military to help in their education, livelihood, and substistence. Patriotism rarely enters into the equation.   Financial need, however, does!!.
   
    I have grandchildren---boys. I would not like to see them drafted. That said, I add that conscription has historically been our bulwork, our strength. Those who volunteered then felt the call. Others were drafted.

   At this point I must add that historically and constitutionally a Pres. needed Congress to declare a war. It was not a personal thing that involved putting our children in harm's way for whatever murky reasons that seem to be now de reguaire.

   Finally, if conscription be reenacted then the Constitution should also be followed with regard to Congress (the people's choices)to vote for any declaration of hostilities (the new loophole for waging war). Not something like the events that have occurred in the past 2 years.

Bill Hahn