Remembering the Reason for Memorial Day
If you're like me, you likely have seen the obvious signs that we are entering summer. In addition to temperatures rising, we are also seeing swimming pools getting ready to open, students of all ages getting out of school, and families preparing for vacations. Memorial Day weekend is also seen as the informal beginning of summer.
Many of you likely have scheduled outdoor activities this coming Memorial Day weekend. Whether it is a trip to the lake, a bar-be-que in the backyard, or viewing of a sporting event, this weekend is always a good opportunity to spend it with family and friends. My family is no exception, as we plan to travel back to our hometown in Kansas to see family this weekend.
But as always, it is important to remember the reason we have a Memorial Day. Going back to the 1800s, Memorial Day is an opportunity to come together and recognize the brave men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending and protecting our great nation. Many Americans have given their lives for our country since its founding and most recently, over 5,400 servicepersons have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now is also a great time to pause and recognize your co-workers who have served our nation with bravery and dedication. About 10 percent of our CCA Family is comprised of veterans who by virtue of their service were willing to risk it all to serve this great country.
So as you're enjoying time with family and friends this weekend, I encourage you to take a minute to recognize and remember our fellow Americans that have served our country so honorably. There are many ways to do this but as I mentioned last year, one small way is to wear a red poppy. We again this year purchased Memorial Day poppies at our local grocery store from representatives of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and the American Legion Auxiliary. These organizations annually commemorate the holiday by distributing these red poppies in exchange for donations to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans and their families. You can learn more about the poppy program on the Web sites of the VFW and American Legion. For staff here at FSC, in the 4th floor break room I have placed a bowl full of poppies. Please help yourself to one.
Please join me, as we celebrate this holiday, in remembering our fellow Americans. And as always, thank you for what you do for CCA.
Damon
Sound Out
N. Jeffers at North Georgia Detention Center:
Over the years I had forgotten about the poppy. You are the best!
Daniel Mendoza at Eloy Detention Center:
I want to "Thank You" Mr. Hininger, for always remembering the veterans of this country. This is probably the only civilian organization that I have worked for that honors it's veterans like this. This Marine appreciates it!
Capt.Reginald Scott at West TN. Detention:
It's common for the true meaning of holidays to be over looked. As the head of households, it's important for us to make sure that we teach our children about the true meaning of holidays. Still celebrate them, but make sure that our loved ones give the holidays the recognition they deserve and not over look their true intent.