EDITORIAL: Remember the importance of Memorial Day

It wasn't until World War I that the leaders realized the dead from other conflicts should be remembered as well. Since then, the country has lost service men and women in several conflicts.

A partial list of conflicts with casualties include:

• 
  The American Revolution (1775-1783) 31,000
  

• The War of 1812 (1812-1815) 15, 000
  

• The Mexican-American War (1846-1848) 13,283
  

• The American Civil War (1861-1865) 655,000
  

• The Spanish-American War (1898) 2,246
  

• World War I (1914-1918) 320,518
  

• World War II (1941-1945) 670,846
  

• The Korean War (1950-1953) 92,132
  

• The Vietnam War (1955-1975) 153,303
  

• The Gulf War (1990-1991) 294
  

• Afghanistan (2001-2021) 2,325
  

• Iraq (2003-2011) 4,492
  
  

There have been a total of 1,354,664 Americans to die in the various conflicts and wars in our country's history. In that total, about half are combat deaths, while the other half is a result of other means.

Today, we celebrate the day on the final Monday of May, a date that was chosen as a result of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed by the United States Congress in 1968. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1971.

That first ceremony, in Arlington, was officiated by General James Garfield, who later became president. It was organized by

Prior to that date, the remembrance was held at various dates in Northern states, while Southern states held their own ceremonies on various dates as well. This was a result of the country being split from the American Civil War.

Memorial Day has become a day that many people just have a three-day weekend. For others, it marks the end of the school year and the beginning of summer.

It will be a day of cook-outs, trips to Cedar Point, and other fun activities. Others will use it for a quick road trip to a near-by location for a quick vacation.

But before you have your well-deserved weekend, remember why we have the day off.

Think of Sgt. Henry Gunther, who was killed one minute before the armistice to end World War I.

Remember Gysgt. John Basilone, who won a Medal of Honor at Guadalcanal in 1942, was sent home to sell war bonds, then requested to go back into combat. “Manila John” was killed at Iwo Jima in 1945.

Recall Sam Coursen, who was killed while protecting a fallen fellow soldier in Korea. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Think of Gary Martini, who gave his life in Vietnam while helping a wounded Marine to safety.

Remember those who have died in the Gulf War, Afghanistan and Iraq in the recent past.

Those who gave their lives for this country deserve more than a federal holiday that most people don't honor the significance of it.

A “Thank you for your service” is just not enough.