Time to recall those who died

As we observe yet another Memorial Day, we stop to realize that the passage of time always seems to diminish the impact felt when one of our own gives his or her life in service to the country. Even the memories of our most recent casualties in the Middle East are blunted by the more immediate concerns about the national economy.

But that's what is special about this holiday weekend. It gives us a reason to once again appreciate those who gave their all while serving in the military. And, of course, the scope of our reflections can extend back to Vietnam, Korea and even the two world wars of the 20th century. And prime example of the "never forget" mentality is displayed by the dedicated people who ride their motorcycles across country in the Run for the Wall to draw attention to those who died during the awful years of the Vietnam War.

Unfortunately, many Americans don't stop to pay attention to the history of Memorial Day and don't acknowledge the true meaning of a holiday that unofficially ushers in summer.

But just because there haven't been any recent deaths in a faraway land for military personnel from the Permian Basin doesn't mean we can't at least spare a few minutes to honor the memory of the many who died through the years.

Just a couple of years ago, the communities of Odessa and Andrews shared the loss of one of their own. Army Staff Sgt. Kris Higdon, a Permian High graduate, and Cpl. Ray Bevel of Andrews died within weeks of each other while serving in Iraq.

Their names were added to the grim list of Permian Basin casualties from the Middle East conflicts. So we remember not only Higdon and Bevel, but Marine Cpl. Daniel R. Amaya, 22, Odessa; Army Spc. Damian Garza, 19, Odessa; Army Spc. Robert Arsiaga, 25, Greenwood; Army Spc. Brian K. Baker, 27, Midland; Army Chief Warrant Officer Johnny Villareal Mata, 35, Pecos; and Army Pfc. Clayton W. Henson, 20, Stanton, as well.

Odessa also has two postal facilities named for Medal of Honor winners who died in Vietnam - Alfred "Mac" Wilson and Marvin "Rex" Young.

Memorial Day was instituted in 1868 by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor those who died fighting in America's great Civil War. Also known as Decoration Day, based on the original tradition of placing flowers on the graves of Civil War soldiers, it has evolved into a day of remembrance of all who have died in America's wars.

It is altogether fitting and proper, as Abe Lincoln put it, that we so honor those who have sacrificed so much for their country. To honor them fully and properly, this should also be a time to remember and honor the ideals of liberty and limited government for which this country stands and for which those brave warriors gave their lives.

A mature understanding of American tradition will include an understanding that not all wars are created equal. Politicians prepare the groundwork for and declare wars in which young men and women are asked to risk their lives. Some wars are purely defensive or a response to aggression by another nation. Other wars are more morally ambivalent, barely justified or even not justified by any clear and present danger to the future of the country. All wars bring suffering to the innocent and invite governments to reach for new powers, which may or may not be legitimately related to waging and winning wars.

But, for the most part, Memorial Day should be a time to forget the political implications and instead remember that real people who still have grieving relatives and friends gave their all for a nation that all too soon moves on to more immediate matters.

This weekend serves as a reminder. Let us not overlook all those sacrifices.