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State Senator Bill Beagle
A Day to
Remember Our Fallen Heroes
Since the beginning of the Iraq War in 2003, 275 Ohio soldiers have
lost their lives in action. 275 stories of bravery and
determination came to an abrupt end in battlefields far from the
comforts of home. 275 families were left to pick up the pieces and
continue with their lives after receiving the news they dreaded most.
Why did these soldiers give their lives? Ohio Congressman James A.
Garfield asked the same question on May 30, 1868, as he addressed a
crowd gathered in Arlington National Cemetery for the country's first
official Memorial Day ceremony. As they adorned the graves of Civil War
soldiers with flowers and sang hymns, the future president asked them
to consider "what high motive" led over 600,000 Union soldiers to make
a "heroic sacrifice" on the blood-soaked battlefields around the
nation.
The answer is the same in 2016 as it was in 1868. Our fallen
soldiers gave their lives to protect our freedom. They sacrificed
because of their love for the first country on earth that was founded
not on an ethnic identity, religion or shared history but on the idea
that all people are created equal. They sacrificed to defend our
country from all threats to security and sovereignty. They and their
families demonstrated the true cost of living in freedom.
How can we as Ohioans honor those who lay down their lives for their
country? In the middle of a divisive election year, we can
intentionally take a break from politics and unite as one nation to
remember sacrifice that knows no political party or candidate. When we
see a road named after a fallen soldier in our own community, we can
pause for a moment to give thanks for a life lived in service to a
higher cause. We can treat the parades, picnics and ceremonies we
attend as more than an unofficial celebration of summer's advent. We
can further the cause of the fallen by fighting to make sure our
soldiers are fully equipped in the line of duty and our veterans have
the resources they need to flourish in civilian life.
Wherever we happen to be this last Monday in May, let us do whatever we
can to honor the sacrifice of soldiers that, in the words of James A.
Garfield, "made immortal their patriotism and their virtue." That day
in 1868, Garfield closed his speech with these words:
"Here, where the grim edge of battle joined; here, where all the hope
and fear and agony of their country centered; here let them rest,
asleep on the Nation’s heart, entombed in the Nation’s love!"
This Memorial Day, join me in remembering those who made the ultimate
sacrifice.
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