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Meaning of patriotic holidays being lost

EDITOR:

Two of out nation’s patriotic holidays are upon us — Memorial Day and Flag Day. Memorial Day seems to be losing it original meaning and Flag Day is all but forgotten.

School ending or the beginning of the “summer” season isn’t what Memorial Day is all about. Many, if not most, families in our country have been touched by a young man or woman who has served their country in the time of need or war or conflict. After one of the bloodiest times in our history men of wisdom wanted to honor those who served and gave their lives for a country and an idea they believed in so they called for a solemn day of “remembrance” when the graves of the fallen would be marked and honored and thanksgiving be given for their sacrifices.

Flag Day was a day to honor not just the flag but the country for which it stands, a country of great wealth and beauty from sea to shining sea, a country of freedoms not seen in most countries, a country filled with compassion for others, a country were all people can dream of better days.

But I feel the founders of each of these patriotic holidays would be the first to say we should use these days to thank the true provider of those freedoms, the true protector of our land, the one who showed us what true compassion was, the one who formed the mountains and the sea, the valleys and the lakes, the plains and the desert which cover our land and make it beautiful. The creator of all things — God himself.

So please in the midst of your picnics and parties take time to honor the fallen, praise God for our great country and thank him for all his blessings through the years.

Rev. William Rafuse

Rapid River

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