Remember those who died for freedom

Like many Americans, I totally spaced out Memorial Day until my friend asked, during lunch, if we would be doing anything special on that day. I said no and then drove home thinking about what a privilege it is to be an American and to savor the grandeur and the blessings we have in this nation of ours. Most important, it helped me think of those who gave their lives so we could be free.

When I was a kid, we would go as a family to the Salt Lake City Cemetery on May 30, or Decoration Day, as we used to call it, and decorate the graves of our loved ones with peonies, irises and roses my mother grew for this solemn occasion. Though I can't recall how we got to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery from our home on the west side, I remember seeing flags along the street with vendors on the corners selling flowers that were kept fresh in water in tin tubs. It was a special day to remember our loved ones and the men and women who died fighting for our country.

Memorial Day is one of those customs all societies have that help perpetuate their history and common values. When I see many of us failing to pause to perform, or even remember, customs that hold us together, I worry about losing the sense of "oneness" we once cherished as Americans. As we have done with many days we used to celebrate to remind us of our rich heritage, we now see them as a time to "get away."

While today there is a war where our men and women are risking their lives, and many dying to protect us, we seem more concerned about "American Idol" and worried about gas prices. We now see Memorial Day as a marker upon which the school year ends, summer begins, or a three-day weekend to go hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, boating, golfing, barbecuing and so on. In doing so, we may enjoy the day but often do not take the time to give thanks for the blessings we have in this great land of ours, and thanks to those who died to make it possible.

I had the good fortune to have lived near Washington, D.C., across the street from the Iwo Jima Monument that was adjacent to the Arlington Cemetery. We saw and heard the Marine Marching Band and were able to walk over to the cemetery to see the flags placed on the headstones of every burial site. To see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and to hear taps played, makes one's heart swell and have a special prayer for those we honor on this occasion. The day was topped off by sitting on blankets on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capitol listening to the National Symphony playing patriotic songs. And though all of us may not have the opportunity to be in our nation's capital on Memorial Day, each of us might take the time to remind ourselves of the blessings we have and take the time to remember these special occasions that remind us of our heritage and our common destiny.

Let us keep in mind our men and women in uniform, and their loved ones, and say a special prayer for them. Let them know how thankful we are for them and for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

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Utah native John Florez has founded several Hispanic civil rights organizations, served on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and on more than 45 state, local and volunteer boards. He also has been deputy assistant secretary of labor. E-mail: jdflorez@comcast.net