Commemorat??‹ing Memorial Day
By: Laslo Boyd
The origins of the holiday that we celebrate Monday date to the end of the Civil War with the practice of decorating tombstones of soldiers killed in the conflict that began 150 years ago. Originally known as Decoration Day, it has come to be both a remembrance of the fallen from past wars and the unofficial start of summeras we reflect upon those who served and sacrificed to ensure the freedom we enjoy today, I want you to remember we are currently engaged in wars in both Afghanistan and Iraq and military operations in the Middle East, these conflicts have an even greater significance in times of peace. They show our Courage!
What characterized the founders of this nation were political courage and a belief in certain "inalienable rights." What characterizes the tea party and the Republican Party leaders who tremble at the risk of offending them is the total absence of political courage. Refusing to consider taxes as part of a solution to the nation's deficit is both cowardly and irresponsible. Trying to prevent government from having the capacity to provide support and assistance to the neediest of our citizens is both selfish and mean-spirited.
The United States has progressed dramatically from the time when the only people with political rights were white, male property holders. We have built a nation through both the entrepreneurial efforts of individuals and the collective efforts of government. If critics are right to point to the shortcomings of government, they have an equal obligation to acknowledge the excesses of capitalism as it has evolved in recent years.
If we want to honor the real spirit of Memorial Day, we should remember that this country was built on shared sacrifices and common goals, not every person for her or himself.
Laslo Boyd is interim chief of staff in the Office of the President at Towson University. .
