There are few more appropriate or patriotic locations to celebrate Memorial Day than Jefferson Barracks. This cemetery traces its origins to 1826. Every war beginning with the Revolutionary War forward is represented by a service member buried here. We honor their “Service above Self.”
The Color Guard presented the Flag and the National Anthem played. All of us stood including 95 year old Navy veteran Charlie Dinella who fought in the Pacific and European Theater.
Unfortunately the National Anthem has been the subject of controversy.
To know the meaning of the Anthem, study the words and the context it was written. The timeframe was the War of 1812. Our adversary was the British government, a super power with the strongest navy in the world.
It's important to note as a maritime nation moving material by sea was critical for our economic sustainment. There were no roads, rail or air. Large quantities of supplies were moved via the seas and inland waterways. Shipping was a prosperous industry. The British understood this and captured our ships and cargo and impressed into naval service (essentially kidnapped) thousands of American sailors. Ships, men and material captured by the British disrupted our supply chain and threatened our independence. President James Madison had enough and declared war on Great Britain. The British attacked New York, New Orleans, inland waterways and Washington and just days prior to the attack on Baltimore burned the White House and Capitol, the center of our government.
Francis Scott Key, a young lawyer in his 30's, set out to meet the British fleet to negotiate the release of an impressed sailor. The British fearing plans were overheard held him captive aboard ship while launching an attack on Fort McHenry in Baltimore harbor. Key observed the all night horrific, incessant bombing of the Fort. Before the bombing Key saw the US flag flying over the Fort but after the attack would the American flag remain? At dawn’s early light he asked the question "Say can you see is the flag still there, does that banner yet wave?" The presence of the flag represented the American ability to hold out against the British attack and if removed, if taken down, the British were victorious and we're on their way to defeating a young country. On the other hand the flying of the U.S. flag meant America held the Fort and repelled the British. Some died that night defending the flag and our country. The question Francis Scott Key wanted answered is are we still a free nation? Does the flag still fly “over the land of the free and the home of the brave” referencing those who gave their lives? Were we successful against the British?
That's what that flag/anthem represents (free nation) and has represented ever since to Americans who fought our country's battles. For those who consider not standing please don't dishonor our flag, respect what it represents to the overwhelming majority of this country. It may only be a symbol but that symbol is of 243 years of American existence and a testimony to the greatest nation on earth.
The most talented athlete or performer in Afghanistan, North Korea, Somalia, Libya or Iraq has limited opportunity. In our country freedom and opportunity allows anyone to pursue their passion and succeed in achieving wealth and fame. Such freedom isn’t free but paid for with the blood and sacrifice of those who are buried here.
A military defends against foreign aggression and if they no longer show allegiance to their government, the outcome belongs to the aggressor. Our citizens should be concerned if one day military service members no longer stand for that flag. Like those present, during 32 1/2 years of military life I stood with pride for that flag morning and evening. That flag means a lot to those who served and I plead with you to respect it.
Equally I hope you will not object to saying with me the pledge of allegiance to the flag and to the republic for which it stands, and to one nation, indivisible.
Pride in country protects and defends its future and if national pride is not something you are willing to appreciate you are a taker of her qualities not a contributor but a taker at the expense of others. (Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country JFK)
This is a day we honor and remember the sacrifice of service members many interred here. Perhaps you will take a few minutes to visit grave sites of those you know, I will. Enjoy your Memorial Day and weekend.
Rear Admiral Williams United States Navy retired