It's a day that has become known as the unofficial start of summer. A day to kick off what will hopefully be a summer filled with sunshine.
For Rocky Bleier and many others, Memorial Day means much, much more.
Memorial Day is a day to honor and remember those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. A day to appreciate and respect that they made the ultimate sacrifice for the love of their country and those who continue to benefit from the freedoms they fought for.
"The biggest thing about this day is sometimes we lose sight of the meaning behind Memorial Day. It becomes a holiday. We have celebrated it in the past," said Bleier. "At times we have lost the sense of what it really stands for. That is to honor not necessarily those who served the country, but those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up their lives in serving their country.
"It has become more prevalent over the period of time recently that sometimes we lose the meaning because we thank our veterans all of the time for their service. On this day, it is those who made the ultimate sacrifice that need to be remembered, so remembering them reminds us of our responsibilities to those who served and gave all and a thankfulness of a nation to those who gave their lives. We just need to put it back into perspective of what that day, and that weekend is all about."
Normally on Memorial Day there are public gatherings to honor and remember those who served, whether they be at memorial sights or just small community gatherings. This year that is being tempered by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Bleier said there are still ways to honor those who gave all, including reaching out and thanking the family members of those lost.
"If you think about those who have to continue on with the loss of a loved one who gave their life to this country, it is a very emotional day," said Bleier. "What has been left behind is our family, our loved ones, our lost expectations, futures. Whether it be a son or daughter, a father or mother, a husband or wife, or an uncle or an aunt. It spreads to many more than just those who lost their lives. There are hundreds of thousands of people touched and lives affected because of the commitment our military people have given and the loss it has presented to this nation and what they left behind."
If there is anyone who can understand first-hand the meaning of Memorial Day, it is Bleier. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was wounded when enemy gunfire hit him in the thigh and shrapnel from a grenade hit him in his lower legs, causing him to lose part of his right foot, while on a mission with the Charlie Company 4th Battalion (Light), 31st Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade. The injury occurred on a mission to recover the bodies of others killed in an ambush in Hiep Duc. During the recovery attempt, four additional soldiers were killed, and Bleier was among 25 soldiers who were wounded.
He understands the pain of losing someone in battle, as those in his unit were family to him.
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May 25, 2020 at 07:05PM
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What this day really means - Steelers.com
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