Memorial Day Is About Remembering...
Memorial Day. The tradition seems to be picnics and backyard barbecues. Is that all there is to it?
No.
The tradition of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers began following the Civil War in which more American soldiers died than any other conflict in our history. Originally known as Decoration Day, communities around the country would select various days in spring to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. It wasn't until 1971, toward the end of the Vietnam Conflict, that Memorial Day became an official National Holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day when loved ones of those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country still decorate their graves with flowers. The rest of us... we go to the beach or fire up the grill in the back yard.
As of this writing, America is still one of the freest societies on the planet, thanks to our all-volunteer fighting forces. Yet, America is not the only nation that benefits from these brave patriots who love freedom more than their own lives. American military branches often function as the "police force" of the world-- not because we want to fill that role, but if we won't, who will? Who has been the great Liberating Force around the globe for decades? The American soldier.
For this cause, and with deep gratitude, I have selected Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org) as the official philanthropy of The Knights of Nevertheless. Each book sale shares 10% with PVA. During the month of May, in memorial of our Wounded Heroes, The Knights of Nevertheless will share 50% of all sales profits with PVA.
