Beech Tree News Network

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” - Joseph Campbell
Memorial Day is upon us, which serves as a reminder that we, as Americans’ are blessed to have the freedoms than our forefathers fought and died to preserve.

We first began celebrating Memorial Day at a time of great strife for our nation, the reconstruction era following the Civil War.  On May 30, 1868, Americans gathered to honor those lives lost on both sides and remember their sacrifices.  Since that time, we come together each year to honor those who fought and died in all wars to preserve and protect our way of life.

Memorial Day is that time we dedicate to the legacy of our men and women who came before us and laid their lives on the line for the love of our country.  But there is one thing greater than that enduring legacy, which are the men and women themselves.  They gave up their dreams and their ambitions willingly to honor what the United States stands for, a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

We build monuments to honor and remember their sacrifices, but we must always do what we can to make sure the meaning of these monuments don’t become lost in the focus of the monument itself, but for the reason they were created.

We also have a responsibility as the beneficiaries of their sacrifices to carry on their legacy and ensure that those who died in battle did not give their lives in vain.  We must be adamant in protecting the foundation of liberty, teaching the noble qualities of American ideas, and setting aside personal interests to advance the cause of freedom.

My challenge to you is to carry the spirit of the holiday every day, not just on Memorial Day.  Take each day and remember the pride that comes with knowing what it is to be an American, and that, as Americans, we are part of something much bigger and better than we are as individuals.

I welcome your comments and concerns on any issues throughout the year impacting our Commonwealth. I can be reached through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181, or you can contact me via e-mail at [email protected].  You can keep track of legislation for the 2013 session through the Kentucky Legislature Home Page at www.lrc.ky.gov.