Partner Letter

Dear Partner,

This coming Monday, May 27th has since May 3, 1868 been set aside each year to pause and remember those special people who have fallen in wars. 

This day was first called Declaration Day to honor the dead of the civil war. After World War I, the decision was made to rename the day, Memorial Day, to honor all the dead of US wars. President Clinton set aside 3PM on Memorial Day as a "National moment of remembrance." All federal buildings will be closed with the intent to allow federal workers a moment to meditate on the occasion. 

Today, very few US citizens can answer a question as to why we have a National Memorial Day. We, at Rapha are encouraged to participate in remembrance of the day and especially the 3PM time.

My cousin, a young 18-year old quality young man was killed in the battle of Tarawa. Not known if he was possibly killed in the debacle of having to wade ashore in the chest high water instead of being landed upon the beach. He might have made it to shore and was killed in the inland fighting. 

His father had his body brought home and he was buried in a remote cemetery in North Carolina. I stood by his grave and remembered this fine young man who will forever be young. He is gone, but not forgotten. He and many other thousands more who perished are never forgotten as long as someone remembers.

Most citizens will gladly take the day off, fire up the grill, maybe take the boat out on the water and never reflect upon the price that was paid to give them this day. It will be a happy, fun-filled day for most of our citizens. However, there will be many that remember when? 

My blessings upon you all.

Dr. Lee