Speaking of Spirit

Memorial Day - Flag on Tomb of  fallen soldiers from King Phillip's War 1675 Memorial Day in the United States has become associated with picnics, barbecues, and the opening of summer camps. Ask most young people about the holiday and they will not be able to tell you the significance. I have heard answers ranging from "It is something to do with veterans," to "It's the first day of summer, right?"  Wrong! Memorial or Decoration Day, which has its beginnings during Civil War times from 1861 to 1865, is a day to remember those who died in the service of our country. Surprisingly, while Memorial Day has been observed in many states since the mid-1800's, it did not become a legal holiday until 1971. From its start, Memorial Day was a time of reflection, remembrance, and prayer. Graves of the fallen soldiers were decorated with flags and flowers.  Today, parades of veterans march to cemeteries, sometimes accompanied by local school ba...

Photo credit: Public Domain As our world struggles to find balance, it seems we have lost sight of what true heroism is. We put rock and movie stars, athletes, and a wide assortment of others onto pedestals, touting them as "heroes." We have forgotten, in the incessant search for fame and fortune, what a hero truly is. Hero, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary is, "A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities." The word originates from the Greek, heros - a demi-god, protector. Lest we forget, this is the story of true heroes ... On February 2, 1943, the USAT Dorchester was crossing the frigid waters between Newfoundland and Greenland. The Army transport was overcrowded with 900 men on their way to the US base in Greenland, when a German sub was spotted on radar. One hundred and fifty miles from shore, in the early hours of February 3, the Dorchester was torpedoed.  In less than 20 minutes, it would sink...