Memorial Day transcends individual politics

Memorial Day weekend represents the day we remember and honor those of our countrymen who gave their life serving our Country. We, through our elected officials, sent them off to war in the name of our democratic values which include mutual respect and tolerance for each other's opinion and feelings, our devotion to the Constitution, our rule of law and our obsession with the good of the whole. These values have made us the envy of the entire world as evidenced by the volume of people trying to get into the country as opposed to those trying to get out. However, we must never forget that Memorial Day is the day we recognize that we enjoy these values through the supreme sacrifice of the servicemen we lost. It is also the day we show our gratitude for the supreme sacrifice of the families who lost them. We must never let our country forget.

Sadly, the country these Americans died serving is now disgraced by extreme divisions driven by our elected officials who are a total failure at running our country for the good of all while they excel at running for re-election for the good of themselves. Thus, I have a challenge for our elected senators, representatives (state and federal) as well as our president and governor: Stand at the foot of a flag-draped coffin, stand on the Arizona, stand at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and ask yourself if it matters that they’re Republican or Democrat.

Steve Springer

Cedar Rapids