‘Thank you’ are powerful words for Memorial Day

Observances of Memorial Day frequently include recitation of the poem “In Flanders Fields.” Written in 1915 by John McCrae, a field surgeon and lieutenant colonel with the Canadian artillery during World War I, the poem symbolizes not only the grim toll of armed conflict, but also the debt owed to those who paid the ultimate price on the battlefield.

Nearly 100 years later, it is still an appropriate reminder of why we observe Memorial Day each year.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved, and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from falling hands, we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

As we stand at the threshold of another Memorial Day, it is timely to consider what it means to “break faith.” These words are, perhaps, the most enduring and meaningful for all to us today.

We break faith simply by forgetting, ignoring or accepting lightly the deaths of all those brave young servicemen and women who died that we might live in freedom and prosperity.

But this is no justification for perpetual war. We break faith no less by not striving for a world where armed conflict is no longer seen as a tool for conflict resolution.

The vision of white crosses among red poppies should inspire strong determination that blood on the battlefield was not spilled in vain. But whether those crosses stud the ground of France or South Korea, Vietnam or Arlington Cemetery, they should serve equally as a reminder of all that is to be gained from meaningful peace.

Memorial Day is a time to recall our share sacrifice and treasured freedoms and come together as a community to honor and support our service members. But it’s just one day.

When you see a member of the armed services, smile, shake their hand and say thank you. And while it may seem like a small thing to say thank you, it’s a big deal to the men and women on the receiving end.

Here is a list of the local Memorial Day ceremonies:

• 2 p.m., Sunday at the Alaska Veterans Memorial at Byer’s Lake, Mile 147.1, Parks Highway.

• At 11 a.m., Monday, VFW Post 9365 will lead a parade from the Wasilla Post Office to the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery for a Memorial Day ceremony. People will meet at the Post Office at 10:15 a.m., and leave for the cemetery at 10:40 a.m.

• At 1 p.m., Monday, American Legion Post No 15 in Palmer will conduct an honor ceremony at the Veterans Wall of Honor next to the Mat-Su Visitors Center, Mile 35.5 Parks Highway.