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by Todd G. Friedland

May is a great month. April showers give way to May flowers (assuming we had any April showers). Kids are starting to smell the end of the school year. Baseball is back in full swing. The NBA playoffs are happening (even without my beloved Lakers). Network television leaves us with cliffhangers during May Sweeps. Also, Memorial Day is approaching. The kids will have the day off school. Many people (not lawyers) will have the day off work. The Memorial Day three-day weekend has become known as the unofficial start of summer. It is often celebrated with barbecues and six-packs. It is time spent with loved ones, and there is nothing wrong with that.

But let’s not forget that Memorial Day is also a time for us to reflect, and to appreciate those Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It was previously known as Decoration Day honoring the soldiers who died in the Civil War. Now it is a day to remember all who have died fighting for our nation. Say what you want about Congress, but on May 11, 1950 they got it right by passing a joint resolution that, in part, requested that the president issue a proclamation calling on Americans to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace. In addition, Congress, by Public Law 106-579, designated 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.

My words cannot do Memorial Day justice. So, here are some words from the President of United States:

On Memorial Day, the United States pauses to honor the fallen heroes who died in service to our Nation. With heavy hearts and a sense of profound gratitude, we mourn these women and men ... who believed so deeply in what our country could be they were willing to give their lives to protect its promise. Our hearts ache in their absence, but their spirit gives us strength to continue their work of securing and renewing the liberties that all Americans cherish, and for which these heroes gave their last full measure of devotion. ... Our Nation will never forget the valor and distinction of the women and men who defend freedom, justice, and peace.

Barack Obama, Presidential Proclamation—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2015.

And, here are words from a prior President of the United States:

Today is the day we put aside to remember fallen heroes and to pray that no heroes will ever have to die for us again. It’s a day of thanks for the valor of others, a day to remember the splendor of America and those of her children who rest in this cemetery and others. ... They loved America very much. There was nothing they wouldn’t do for her. ... We owe them first a promise: that just as they did not forget their missing comrades, neither, ever, will we. And there are other promises. We must always remember that peace is a fragile thing that needs constant vigilance. We owe them a promise to look at the world with a steady gaze and, perhaps, a resigned toughness, knowing that we have adversaries in the world and challenges and the only way to meet them and maintain the peace is by staying strong.

Ronald Reagan, Remarks at a Memorial Day Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, May 26, 1986.

I concur with Mssrs. Obama and Reagan.

I have not personally known any soldier who died fighting to protect us. My granddad Everett Ralphs served. My Uncle Robert Bowers flew bombing missions in the South Pacific during WWII. And my father-in-law Jim Klaus served in the jungles of Vietnam. Fortunately, each of them made it back to American soil. But it is estimated that over 400,000 Americans died in WWII, and over 90,000 Americans died in the Vietnam War. The numbers from our other wars and conflicts are significant as well. I am thankful that my friends and relatives returned safely from battle. I will not forget their sacrifices, or those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

This Memorial Day, let’s all take at least a moment to appreciate our country, the men and women who served in the military, and those who did not make it back.

“And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” Lee Greenwood.

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” Mark Twain.

Todd G. Friedland, the 2016 President of the Orange County Bar Association, is a Partner with Stephens Friedland LLP. His practice focuses on business litigation. Send your comments to him at Todd@sf-lawyers.com or HeyTodd@ocbar.org.