Roses for Memorial Day

Officially, Memorial Day is a holiday to honor the men and women of the armed forces who have died serving their country. But when I was growing up—and in many places still—the day was also a time when families decorate the graves of their departed loved ones. Wreaths, bouquets, and logs of flowers were placed at the grave site in memory of those we have lost.

This custom is more difficult to observe in the modern world because people move so much, and few remain near their family’s hometown anymore. So I offer this cyberspace floral tribute:

For the innocent who died on 9-11, in Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami, in the China earthquake and the Myanmar cyclone, and in all other disasters, I offer a white rose.

For our ancestors, the immigrants who came to this land looking for freedom and opportunity, the African Americans who have given so much to this country in spite of the horrors of slavery, and the American Indians who fought to save their culture from annihilation, I offer a pink rose.

For the generations who endured global wars and the Great Depression and still had the courage to imagine a future for their children, I offer a peach rose.

For the suffragists, the civil rights workers, and all others who fought to extend freedom and equality throughout this land, I offer a yellow rose.

For all those martyrs throughout the world who have died for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and political freedom, I offer a red rose.

For those who have died while serving in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard to defend their country, I offer a purple rose.

To all who have gone before, we would not be who we are without your sacrifice, your courage, your vision, and your generosity. Thank you.