This Memorial Day weekend, Georgia can celebrate the blessing that none of its citizen-soldiers have died on a foreign battlefield so far this year.
That pleasant circumstance is the result of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team having returned to the U.S. after a deployment in Afghanistan.
The welcome respite from the ultimate human cost of armed conflict should not divert our attention away from the noble intent of Memorial Day. It is a time earmarked to honor sailors, soldiers and Marines who have died in service to this country. Recent additions to their ranks include Georgians who paid with their lives to defend our freedom. Last year, two Georgia Guardsmen died in Afghanistan. Across the military, 22 service members who called Georgia home have died since last Memorial Day.
The sacrifice of our state’s own is sobering, and each life is worth remembering, now and for all of our days. That holds true for each member of the military who has died in the course of his or her duties. We should take time Monday to reflect on their devotion to America that led them to die for freedoms so many of us take for granted. Our service members lost on foreign fields were Georgians who put action behind love of country and brought the sacrifice of their own lives to bear against those who mean our nation harm.
Their valor, vigilance and courage must not be forgotten. We should recognize them as members of that long line of military personnel who have died in uniform since our nation’s founding. And that’s why we should join in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. Monday.
In so doing, we can suitably honor those whose debt we can never fully repay.
Truly observing Memorial Day in our free country should also solemnly remind us just why what we have is so worth fighting for, now and for as long as it takes to keep the United States safe from harm.
The liberty and way of life we enjoy were bought with a matchless price paid by each military member who has fallen in service to us.
As we enjoy our many creature comforts this weekend, or even just the ability to openly criticize our government, let us take time to honor those who have died to keep American democracy an example for all who savor freedom.
Andre Jackson, for the Editorial Board
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