Memorial Day 2003

Gene Shadburn had an idea that he just could not let go. He wanted to have a big, old-fashioned Memorial Day Parade. In many ways, it was a new kind of parade for a new kind of Memorial Day. This day has always been set aside to remember those in service to our country who gave their life for their country.

With the War on Terror changing things, the face of those who were remembered today was changed also. At this point we have won decisively two battles, one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. These battles were fought because of the Attack on America on September 11, 2001 and the casualties of that day are a part of our new Memorial Day.

On this day we recognize that along with the deaths in all the wars that have come before, that the deaths in the World Trade Towers, The Pentagon and in Pennsylvania are war casualties also. So today in North Georgia, we remembered Edna Stephens, a civilian worker in the Pentagon and Major Cole Hogan, a military attaché at the Pentagon. Both of these people died on September 11th in the Pentagon.

The day was beautiful and the parade was uplifting. My face is sore and my throat is scratchy from the smiling and cheering at the passing parade. On this day, I did a few interviews before the parade but my real role today was to be in attendance and to remember.

I was humbled by the military men, in and out of uniform, who came up to me and thanked me for what I was doing for them. I cannot imagine being on any side but on the side of these brave men who gave so valiantly for their country. It is I who should thank them.

The day was capped by the traditional speeches and remembrances. Congressman Deal and Isakson, Senator Chambliss and Governor Perdue spoke eloquently but I believe the real story was in the speech that Lt. Governor Mark Taylor made. Lt. Governor Taylor brought along former Governor George Busbee to do the introduction for him. He talked about military bases and the losses that we have suffered in Georgia from Operation Iraqi Freedom and talked about saving military bases. Is this the beginning of a United States Senate platform for 2004? Only time will tell.

Let's return back to today. It was a wonderful day and I will dine with my children and see them grow up in freedom because of the sacrifices made by those that we remember today on the Memorial Day.

Let me know what you think of this and other opinions posted here. Join Martha every weekday on WDUN Newstalk 550 in Gainesville Georgia and on the internet live from anywhere on www.wdun.com. You may email Martha at [email protected].