To the Editor:
I woke on Memorial Day 2025, with regret reading about the Decoration Day Proclamation of 1868. I felt ashamed of myself for all of the years celebrating a three-day weekend: buying beer, burgers, charcoal, hot dogs and partying with friends and family …. not that there's anything inherently wrong with taking a little time out of the rat race, it can be overwhelming. But all this without so much as a thought to the 400,000 union boys and young men, the vast majority of them volunteers who willingly gave the last full measure of their devotion during the American Civil War, to an idea. A revolutionary idea at the time, an idea, laid out in Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, that all men are created equal incidentally, a document prominently on display in the Oval Office, of which our current President appears to have no understanding.
These men, along with ALL veterans, who have fought for the ideals of our great democracy through the decades, are heroes. And as a rule, we honor them … at sporting events, official functions, holidays and the like. However, there are some Americans who consider these heroes 'suckers,' or 'losers,' (and who actually have said this aloud) for not being 'clever enough' or 'wealthy enough' to avoid military service. Some who have publicly stated that a fighting combatant 'isn't a hero if they're captured.' And in 2025, on this most reverential holiday, yet another lie comes from the mouth of our glorious commander in yet another personal diatribe, our self-absorbed president has delivered his uplifting Memorial Day commemoration, on 'Truth Social.'
He first wished his followers a simple ' HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!' An hour later, using all caps to show just how serious he is, he chose to use this national day of commemoration and remembrance to attack 'warped left minds' (let's not forget the use of the word 'scum' in reference to those who do not support him); President Biden and judges. He did not write a single word of appreciation or respect for veterans who have served. And yes, I watched the official event at Arlington, where he robotically read a speech written for him, from teleprompters, to a handpicked audience for yet another choreographed performance. Do not be fooled. One is judged not by his words, but by his actions.
Richard Marcott Macomb
