All too often Americans gather on Memorial Day for parades and backyard barbecues to kickoff summer, but the majority spend little to no time commemorating those who have sacrificed their lives during war—Americans feel more disengaged from military conflict than ever before.

As time passes, many have either forgotten or never experienced a military draft and the difficulties encountered on the home front during a major war.

Numerous old-timers speak of the hardships—the vast number of young draftees processed, sent to basic training, and placed in combat zones—inevitably resulting in the loss of loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

Imagine the emotional devastation and despair of a family who receives a military-death notification of their own US service member who died during active duty.

May history prove to be a lesson well learned—never forget the fallen and their families.

Do not take for granted the freedoms men and women fought to gain.

Regardless of political divides and philosophical views on war, US citizens should honor people who served to defend and uphold universal liberties—undeniably an act of selflessness.

As a result of the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history (over 600,000 soldiers perished), citizens sought a way to honor the fallen by establishing a day to decorate the troops’ graves.

The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Union veterans who served in the American Civil War, established Decoration Day which paid tribute to the Civil War dead.

Major General John A. Logan declared May 30, 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, the official date when more than 20,000 Union and Confederate Arlington National Cemetery graves were strewn with flowers while prayers were recited and hymns sung.

The somber observance day was broadened after WWI in order to recognize all military personnel who died in American wars.

Officially established by Congress as a federal holiday in 1971, Decoration Day became known as Memorial Day, acknowledging fallen American service members.

It is a day of reflection and remembrance for over 1.3 million US military fatalities during major wars from 1861-present.

Take time this Memorial Day to attend Beaver’s Annual Memorial Day Parade held May 29 at 10:30 a.m.

Beaver Area School District’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) will lead the parade down Third Street and end in the Beaver Cemetery, where they will perform a wreath laying ceremony and present the colors.

One Beaver Area JROTC instructor, Sergeant Major (SGM) Oscar E. Q. Weaver, who served for 30 years, places much emphasis on explaining the significance of Memorial Day.

“I want the students to have a strong sense of responsibility, citizenship, and patriotism. To experience growth and learn from failures, they must come out of their comfort zone like those who served the nation,” SMG Weaver explained.

Further solidifying the notion to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, SMG Weaver always wears a bracelet dedicated to friend, SFC Robert J. Fike, who was killed in Iraq.

“The bracelet reminds me that freedom is not free. There is no greater love than a man who laid down his life for a brother and his country,” said SMG Weaver.

To maintain the troops’ hard work and further improve the nation, SMG Weaver encourages all to engage in community service, for many small actions lead to a remarkable change.

The least one can do as a US citizen is stand for the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. The flag represents much more than the country’s turmoil today—it reflects past events and sacrifices.

After serving, the words “motivation” and “discipline” carry a different meaning to SMG Weaver. He incorporates these terms in JROTC, where motivation helps one achieve a goal, while discipline keeps him or her focused and prepared for the next obstacle.

Act as the student during Beaver’s Memorial Day events, utilizing the veterans’ stories as an educational opportunity. Do not forget to personally thank them for their service.

Additionally, expand your knowledge by visiting Beaver’s wonderful memorials and monuments—Fort McIntosh Memorial, World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorials, and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.

Thank you to all veterans and those who currently serve for your courage. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice—the fallen soldiers and their families—may we never forget the cost of freedom.