This month, I thought I would write about a topic that is so close to my heart, Memorial Day. I am a military spouse whose husband is currently in the Indiana National Guard after serving in both the active Air Force and the active Army.
Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday which occurs every year on the final Monday of May. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service.
We all know what Memorial Day means by definition, but what does it really mean to us? In this post, the first in a series, I will share stories about remembrance. I asked many alumni who are currently serving or have served in the military and staff this question; here are their thoughts, their stories, and their memories:
Gene Overymyer, (Former Corporal), BS’57, IU Bloomington
“Memorial Day is a special day to say THANKS to those who gave time to our country.”
Guy Kornblum, (Discharged from active as First Lieutenant, served in the Reserves until 1968), BA’61, IU Bloomington
Guy Kornblum, BA’61, receives an award from the Commander at Fort Holabird, MD in 1962.
“My memories of Memorial Day go back to my childhood in Terre Haute, Indiana in the 40’s and 50’s. I was born just before World War II and I remember the high level of patriotism in Terre Haute, the blackouts, playing war games as a kid with my buddies in our neighborhood, and the celebrations on VE and VJ Day during the mid 40’s before the War ended. That carried into the Korean War as I was youngster in grade school and middle school. I am not sure the public appreciates today what Memorial Day means. It was originally started to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. Originally Decorations Day, it was always the last Monday in May, but now is a roving holiday. The purpose was to remember those who died in service for our Country, in contrast to Veterans’ Day which is dedicated to all who have served in the armed services. With the many worldwide conflicts, it is important that we continue to honor those who died and those who served on both holidays.”
Dawn Smith (Retired Lt. Colonel), BA’76, IU Bloomington
“Memorial Day is a special time to honor military service and sacrifice for America, but also a special time for my family. I am very proud and honored to have an ancestry with an extensive history of military service to our country. (Fortunately for my existence, they survived their wartime service or gave birth to my ancestor before their service began.) This includes great-great-plus-grandfathers who served in the colonial militia in New Jersey in the 1600s, the Revolutionary War (two that I know of, including one who died while serving), the War of 1812, and the Civil War (four great-great-grandfathers that I know of served in combat in the Army); a grandfather who served in the Army in the U.S. during World War I; and my father who served in combat with the Navy in the Pacific during World War II. I also have two uncles who fought in the Army in the Korean War.
The foundation of Memorial Day is to recognize and honor our fallen military personnel from America’s wars. It is vital to our nation’s integrity and soul that we never forget the sacrifices of these men and women and the loved ones who have mourned them.”
Dick E. Wilson (Retired Lt. Colonel), BS’54, IU Bloomington
“I am a 1954 graduate of I.U. with a BS degree in Education and a Commission in the USAF via ROTC. I served in the USAF from 1955 to 1975 as a fighter pilot and test pilot for the major part of my career including combat tours in Vietnam. I also was stationed in Thailand, Okinawa, Korea, England and TDY at several other overseas bases. I spent 4 years in Area 51 as a chase-pilot and support pilot in the early stages of the A-12 program. Final assignment was to Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, Mississippi, as a non-flying job. Upon retirement as a LtCol, in 1975, we remained in Biloxi and this is still our resident state. Since then I have become very involved in the military life and the retirement community. To name a few of the activities: Past President and life member of the Military Officers Association; Life member and past president of The Air Force Association; Past President of the local Centurions military support: Past president of the Mississippi Vietnam Veterans Memorial, (Inc); Current president of the Annual Gulf Coast Veterans Parade, (Inc.); Current Vice-Commander of Biloxi Post 33, American Legion; Past Flight Captain and Current Provost Marshal of Hurricane Flt. order of Dandelions; Past Governor and Beam man of the Order of the Quiet Birdmen flying organization; Post 2434 VFW American chairman; Member of the Biloxi V.A. Cemetery Board; Past president of the Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and Military Affairs and several other affiliated military support organizations.
“I regularly attend various base functions, such as change of command, honors and decorations, base – community celebrations, serve as active board member of Base Exchange board and the all ranks Service Club Board. As you can see, Biloxi Mississippi and the Gulf Coast is a very military oriented area and it was very easy to become involved during the past 40 years. Therefore, I remain very emotional about the Memorial Day programs and participate annually in whatever way I can.”
Clarence W. Boone, Sr., (Retired Captain), BA’53, MB’56, IU Bloomington and IUPUI
“When I reflect on Memorial Day, I think back to my service with the United States Air Force. In June 1956, I received my Medical degree from Indiana University. On July 1, 1956, I began my post-graduate medical training, i.e. my Internship at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, MO. My ultimate goal was to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist. At that time, the United States was engaged in the Viet Nam war in Southeast Asia, and I could only expect a deferment for one year to complete my Internship. Fortunately, there was a program, entitled the ‘Berry Plan’, which allowed young physicians like me, if accepted, to complete residency training with the proviso that one would enter the military immediately upon completion of his residency training. I was accepted and choose the United States Air Force.”
Don Walters, (Captain, 1959-1967), BS’59, MS’60, IU Bloomington
“As a young child, memories of grandmother taking fresh cut flowers to decorate the graves of relatives
As a college student, studying on Memorial Day for final exams (the semester ran later back then)
My mother, father, and stepmother all died in May–a time to lay flowers on their graves
A special memory: all the flags waving over the graves of veterans”
Charles “Chic” Coonrod, (Former Captain), BA’85, IU Bloomington
“For me Memorial Day is about freedom, American exceptionalism and the rights of the individual over that of the state. I am reminded our way of life did not come cheaply. Men before me, with me and after me gave their lives willingly so that each American could express themselves freely, could worship the God of their choice and have the same opportunities for success as the next guy. When we stand and remove our headgear for the singing of the National Anthem I visualize the outmanned, out gunned army that Washington lead, or those boys in the Alamo or our brothers on the beaches of Normandy and in my heart I give thanks.”
Hal Hanes, (Retired Lt. Colonel), BS’67, IU Bloomington
“From my boyhood days, I gained respect and pride in watching the Memorial Day parade, composed of WWII and Korean veterans, as they marched to our historic cemetery each year, past our home on Riley St. in Kendallville, IN. In Boy Scouts, our scoutmaster was a veteran and he embued a spirit of patriotism in us that has remained in me. As a Vietnam veteran, I cherish the sacrifices of my friends and colleagues and hold dear those currently in harm’s way, at work to keep our country free.”
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for soldiers that fought and died for our wonderful country. It is not just an extra day off work and an excuse to have a barbecue; it is a day to remember that freedom does not come without a cost, a sacrifice. We honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Stay tuned next week, when I continue sharing these stories from amazing IU alumni and great American heroes.