President Trump made a decision this weekend that may have been well-intended, but it was wrong. His directive to fly flags at half mast this weekend in memory of those who died from the Corona virus dilutes the importance of Memorial Day. 

We have two official holidays in the United States specifically focused on those who defend our nation. Those are Memorial Day and Veterans Day. 

Since the founding of our nation, men and women have put their lives on the line to defend our nation. Some volunteered to serve. Others did not volunteer but patriotically answered a call to duty. All were trained and stood ready to go and to do what they had to do.  

Many boarded a ship or plane and as they looked back, saw the last glimpse of America that they would ever see. When their remains were returned to American soil, it was in a flag-draped coffin. 

Some never came home. Their final resting place is in a grave on foreign soil, at the bottom of the sea, or will never be found. 

Thousands of men and women did return. Many have unwanted souvenirs lodged in their bodies and unimaginable memories of the hell of war. Some held a brother or sister in arms as they watched the breath of life leave a broken and wounded body. 

My friend, Ed Northrop, served two tours in Vietnam. When he heard about the President’s decision, he sent an e-mail to Georgia Congressmen and shared it with me. Ed made a powerful point when he wrote, “I mean no disrespect to those lost as a result of the Chinese Virus, but their losses , while tragic unto themselves, DO NOT compare to the loss of lives in Combat.”

My sentiments exactly, Ed. We have thousands right here in Southwest Georgia who made that ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Let us not forget those who gave their lives for our nation and the cause for which they died. Do not dilute Memorial Day. 

May God bless you and God bless America.

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