TOM HARMAN:Day dedicated to heroes

When you think of Memorial Day, you may think about watching NASCAR, major league baseball, attending a parade, biking, boating, gardening, or simply taking it easy over a three-day weekend. It’s curious how we define our holidays by the type of enjoyment that fills our time.

But Memorial Day is intended to provide a time for us to demonstrate our appreciation for the brave men and women who lost their lives so that we may be free. Make no mistake about it, this day is dedicated to America’s fallen heroes. It is entirely appropriate and correct for us to honor the courageous acts of these soldiers, sailors, aviators and marines. Often, while still in the prime of their youth, countless young Americans were willing to pay the ultimate price to defend freedom — their lives.

Originally called Decoration Day, in 1868 John Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization that represented union veterans, promoted a national holiday on May 30. General Logan ordered all men under his command to spend part of the day decorating the graves of fallen soldiers.

On Monday we paid tribute to those who gave their last great measure of devotion to liberty. Let us not forget that the precious freedom we are so fortunate to enjoy here in America was purchased with the lives of those brave men and women who served our country in times of war. An excerpt from the dedication plaque on the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol sums up the sacrifice of our brave soldiers, “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.”

The memorial is in a park-like setting not far from my Capitol office. I often take a walk in this quiet, lush setting, pausing to admire the beauty of the memorial’s circular design. The bronze sculptures depicting scenes from daily life during the Vietnam War are riveting. Viewing the 5,822 names engraved on 22 black granite panels fills me with awe. Each engraved name is a sobering reminder of the dead and missing California Vietnam Veterans. This particularly hits home with me because of my service in the Army during this time period. I’m sure that some of the names on the panels are from my old Army unit, the 4th Infantry Division.

All around the world, and especially now, during our ongoing war on terrorism, Californians continue to risk life and limb to defend liberty. The men and women of our armed forces on duty in Afghanistan and Iraq should be in the thoughts and prayers of each of us as even after Memorial Day.