David Hume remarked, “Courage, of all national qualities, is the most precarious; because it is exerted only at intervals, and by a few in every nation.” It truly takes immense courage to risk one’s life for the sake of our state and country.
As Norman Schwarzkopf expressed, “It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who go into battle.” Therefore, it is only right that we dedicate a day to honor those who have sacrificed their lives to serve our nation. As a society, we owe it to these heroes—those few who became legends on the battlefield, standing against our enemies.
In Tennessee, approximately 4,500 veterans of the American Revolution are laid to rest, as noted in the book Roster of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution Buried in Tennessee. Among them is my fourth great-grandfather, Colonel James Taylor, interred at Centenary Baptist Church in Blount County. Unlike many, he was fortunate enough to return home and raise a family.
Crispus Attucks, the first casualty of the American Revolution, was killed during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770. Believed to be the son of a slave and a Native American woman, Attucks was among those confronted by British soldiers, who opened fire, resulting in the deaths of five men, including Attucks.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. honored Crispus Attucks in his 1964 book "Why We Can’t Wait", highlighting his role in American history. Notably, Attucks and the others were displayed at Faneuil Hall before being buried together, demonstrating that there was no segregation among Patriots.
Traditionally, Americans have commemorated Memorial Day by visiting the graves and memorials of our fallen heroes. However, in recent years, the day has shifted towards a celebration marking the start of summer, losing its original significance. We must honor the courageous men and women who served and sacrificed their lives for freedom.
While freedom does not guarantee a meaningful life, it provides the opportunity for one. To maintain that possibility, we must actively uphold and protect our freedoms. Thomas Jefferson wisely stated, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
We should take a moment to express our gratitude to the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to enjoy our liberties. Life is incredibly precious, and those who gave their all surely had their dreams and aspirations for our country.
We must also urge our politicians to remember the veterans who returned home and ensure they receive the benefits they were promised, as well as top-notch medical care, including mental health support.
Thomas Smith poignantly captured the essence of this tribute: “This country has not seen and probably will never know the true level of sacrifice of our veterans. As a civilian, I owe an unpayable debt to all our military. Moving forward, let us not send our servicemen and women into war or conflict zones unless it is overwhelmingly justifiable and grounded in moral integrity. The men of WWII were the greatest generation; Korea was the forgotten conflict, Vietnam the trampled, the Cold War unsung, and the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan often underestimated. Every generation has demonstrated its worthiness to stand alongside the greatest generation. From the Revolution onward, American soldiers have been the finest in the world. Let us take a moment to remember all veterans, whether they served during peace or wartime, those who have passed, and those who remain. God Bless America and All Veterans.”
George Patton once said, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.” This is why I commemorate Memorial Day. I honor their sacrifice.
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JC Bowman is the Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee in Nashville, Tennessee.