MEMORIAL DAY 2009

Today, is Monday May 25, 2009, Memorial Day in the United States. The day is dedicated to remembering the war dead of America. It started as an observation of the Civil War (1861-1865) dead (500,000 people in 1868. It took place at Arlington National Cemetery, in Washington D. C. hosted by President U. S. Grant. It was called "Decoration Day."

New York, in 1873 was the first state to start celebrating the holiday annually. After World War I the day was dedicated to all American War dead all the way back to the American Revolution. The current day celebration on the last Monday in May, began in 1976, by an act of the Untied States Congress.

Mohegans, have fought for this country with the English Settlers even before the American Revolution. In fact, Mohegans have fought since one of the first conflict between the settlers and Native Americans. It took place at Mystic Fort (Pequot Fort). The Mohegans, the Narragansetts and English settlers joined forces to burn the fort down killing men, women and children.

We, (Mohegan tribal members) have fought in the Pequot War, the King James War, the Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storms I and II and all kinds of conflicts in between.

Our people have served our country in all kinds of times of need. These people have done us (the Mohegan Tribe) proud. Asking someone to put their life on the line is a great thing. Sometimes what needed to be done, was unspeakable. Some of these people have nightmares and all kinds of heartache and pain, years after living through the hell of war. Thank God they served our country. They have served all of us, we should treat them as special, because they are special by the very things they endured for us to enjoy the freedoms and rights that many of us take for granted.

When you see a veteran, thank them for serving our country. Whether you believed in the conflict or not, remember the courage, honor, fortitude, that these people showed. We should thank them for their service. We should willingly listen to them, their stories or whatever. We should just be there for them. They have done us proud.

Happy Memorial Day. Thank a soldier. Give them a hug. Buy them a drink, whatever, just let them know you care. What do you think?