This Memorial Day 2022, we have more to be thankful for than ever. This country didn’t become the greatest in the world by mistake. It became that way because of the sacrifice and honor of the brave men and women of the United States military.
These patriots have served, fought, and died to protect our way of life and our freedom. They deserve to be remembered every day of the year.
On this particular day, we especially remember those who never came home. The heroes who will live forever in the hearts of a grateful nation.
Remembering the Fallen
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who didn’t come home. From its earliest origins, this holiday has been about freedom.
It is always held on the last Monday of the month of May, which is why it is today, May 30. This is a day when families may go to visit the graves of the fallen and place the Stars and Stripes by these heroes.
The day was started in 1868 by General Logan of the Union Army and was originally called Decoration Day.
The day went on to become widely celebrated after the Second World War and in 1971 was officially named Memorial Day in an Act of Congress.
While Veterans Day on November 11 is to remember all who serve and have served, Memorial Day is specifically to remember those who have died in service.
As a part of a decades-long tradition, soldiers from the @USArmyOldGuard place a U.S. flag at every gravesite, columbarium and niche wall ahead of Memorial Day at ANC.
This tradition has taken place annually for decades and every available soldier in the Old Guard participates. pic.twitter.com/V7ArgA77UT
— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 27, 2022
Medal of Honor Recipients
Every soldier who served and died is a hero. Those who are found to have taken extraordinary measures are awarded the Medal of Honor.
One recipient is Rear Admiral Daniel Callaghan from San Francisco. After joining the Navy, Callaghan wet on to serve in both world wars, including a huge fight against the Japanese in the Solomon Islands in 1942.
His crew were vastly outgunned, but he worked with his fleet using every strategy and brave tactic to hold off the Japanese and send them running in chaos. This was the start of the Battle of Guadalcanal.
Callaghan was killed in the fighting after being blown up on the ship’s bridge, as was his fellow US Naval Academy Graduate Rear Admiral Norman Scott. Callaghan was given the medal of honor and had two naval vessels named after him.
Another MOH recipient is Private First Class Anthony Kahoʻohanohano of Hawaii. Born in 1930, Kahoʻohanohano went on to serve in the US Army and was deployed to Korea where a war was raging against the communist north.
At only 21, inside North Korean territory, Kahoʻohanohano and his fellow infantrymen were hit by a huge North Korean wave. Kahoʻohanohano was struck in the shoulder by a bullet, but instead of dragging himself to cover, he pledged to his troops that he would fight to the very end.
He laid down covering fire and throwing grenades. He eventually picked up his entrenchment tool (shovel) once he was out of ammo and went down swinging as he was killed in action.
Remember the heroes who didn’t come home. Never forget their sacrifice. 🇺🇸 #MemorialDay
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) May 30, 2022
