Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces. The day reminds us of the high price of freedom and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. All were patriots who served with fidelity and courage.
It is a time to decorate the graves of the fallen with flowers and to hold ceremonies to honor their sacrifice. And it is a special occasion to express our deep gratitude for the dedication and devotion to duty of all soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions.
More than 1 million American men and women have died in defense of our freedom since the Revolutionary War. We must always remember our veterans, living and deceased, who have put their lives on the line.
We thank them for their service. Their bravery, dedication and strength have not gone unnoticed, and we will always be indebted to them and their loved ones for all that they have given to our country.
May God bless everyone.
— Mike Formento, commander, Glen Ellyn American Legion, Post No. 3
The heart and soul of our country
On Memorial Day, we honor America’s beloved daughters and sons who gave their last full measure of devotion to this nation. We also vow to rededicate ourselves to the work for which they gave their lives, and we recommit to supporting the families, caregivers and survivors they left behind.
For generations, stretching back to the formation of our country, these courageous people answered duty’s call, willing to give their lives for that which we hold dear. They fought for our independence. They defended our democracy. They sacrificed our freedom. And today, as they lie in eternal peace, we continue to live by the light of liberty that they so bravely kept burning bright around the world.
This is always a day when pain and pride are mixed together. To all those who are mourning the loss of a service member — including America’s Gold Star Families — we see them and grieve with them. And we know that on this day especially, the pain is wrapped around the knowledge that their loved one was part of something bigger than any of us, that they chose a life of mission and purpose and gave all to preserve and defend an idea unlike any other member in human history: the United States of America.
These brave service members are not only the heart and soul of our country — they are the very spine. On Memorial Day — and every day — we remember their service and ultimate sacrifice to our nation. We reflect on our sacred and enduring vow to care for their families. And together, as we pause and pray, we pledge to continue defending freedom and democracy in their honor.
— Paul Bacon, Hallandale Beach, Florida
Forgetting seriousness of the day
Like so many other national holidays that have been commercialized, Memorial Day is more about frolicking in the sun than honoring our country’s fallen heroes.
In all the excitement over things like graduations, weddings and family vacations, it’s almost understandable if we are forgetful of the holiday’s original intent. For most, the holiday is simply the start of summer, and for many others, it’s the beginning of the growing season — an easy date to remember for purchasing flowers and freshening up our gardens.
But for those who will never again enjoy a breath of fresh air or bask in brilliant sunshine, it’s surely worth a moment of our precious time to recall their ultimate sacrifice. This I do know and respect.
— Bob Ory, Elgin
Outraged by conflict in Gaza
As an Air Force veteran, I am outraged by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Now in its seventh month, Israel’s relentless military campaign has led to the loss of more than 34,000 Palestinian lives. These deaths are not mere statistics — they represent human beings, families torn apart, dreams shattered, futures obliterated.
The April airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers — including a veteran who served in Afghanistan — underscores a pattern of indiscriminate killing perpetrated by Israeli military commanders. It also reflects a failure of U.S. leadership because these atrocities are being committed with weapons provided by our government. Until our leaders take action, U.S. munitions will continue to be used against civilian families, journalists and humanitarian aid workers.
I demand that President Joe Biden call for an immediate halt to the hostilities. It is imperative that the U.S. reassesses its role and that it condition any further aid on the cessation of attacks and a commitment to peace.
Additionally, Congress must ensure that all parties have safe access to provide and receive humanitarian aid, as well as push for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of hostages and political prisoners by Hamas and the Israeli government.
Lastly, there should be no interference with the International Court of Justice or the International Criminal Court in their work.
As a veteran, I understand the importance of protecting civilians and upholding human rights. It’s time our actions reflect our supposed values.
— Dana Briggs, Rockford
Immigration reporting invaluable
Once again, Nell Salzman has written an important piece (“Miscommunication in shelters leads to worry,” May 18) in her long-running series of articles on the issue of people seeking asylum in Chicago from the mostly Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America. Her reporting is timely and insightful, and her writing hits the right notes of information and empathy.
In her piece on May 18, she hits on an important, often-missing link in the smooth placement of and continuing care for the immigrants. I wonder how this can be remedied. Perhaps electronic message boards in the shelters, similar to the flashing messages over highways? Perhaps daily messages to leaders, both formal and informal, in the shelters who can then communicate in person?
I am grateful that the Tribune provides space for Salzman’s excellent reporting and writing, and I look forward to the day that the Tribune banner will proclaim “Winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for public service rendered by any American newspaper during the preceding year” and recognize Salzman and her colleagues for reporting the issue from many angles.
— Jessica Gerdes, Lisle
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