The orgins of Memorial Day orginally began as Decoration Day on May 30th 1868 in remembrance of Civil War Soldiers.
Over the years it became a National Holiday to remember our service men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice, their lives.
In El Paso, much like other parts of the country there will be a “virtual service” available online as outlined in an email from the Ft Bliss National Cemetery Director.
Normally Ft Bliss National Cemetery would be adorned with flags on every gravesite and flags decorating the roads throughout the cemetery. This year due to COVID 19 unfortunately it’s not possible.
Myself as a Veteran this is bothersome, given the number of those Veterans that “paid the price” and the families of those Veterans who won’t be able to visit Ft Bliss National Cemetery as the gate will be closed on Monday May 25th.
The ceremony will not be open to the public and families are encouraged to visit the National Cemetery over the weekend, as Ft Bliss National Cemetery will be following CDC guidelines.
My only hope is that there is some type of respectful Ceremony, Veterans from the conflicts, wreath laying, taps being played and maybe a flyover from an Air Assault Brigade.
Once we are allowed to have “larger” gatherings it is my hope that the Veterans service organizations in El Paso have a Ceremony in remembrance of those we lost. Given the number of Veterans Service Organizations in El Paso I’m surprised there hasn’t been some type of concern or compromise to the Ceremony being held at Ft Bliss National Cemetery.
If any one group of Americans, it’s the Veteran who completely understands the true meaning of freedom. Up to and including giving our lives in pursuit of our freedoms. Remember that come Monday.
