By Paul Peng
The United States Constitution is perhaps modern history’s oldest continuously operating sovereign contract. Signed in 1787 and enacted in 1789, this contract has been the foundation of our democracy for well over two centuries. It firmly establishes—in writing—the agreement made between a nation and its people. Yet despite this, a great many Americans know very little of this foundational document.
If you were to ask your friends, co-workers, family or neighbors, how many do you think would confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day (or vice versa)? How many would know what is said in our Constitution? Or what is beyond the first two amendments? How many of them would associate Memorial Day with “barbeque season”? For those who do know what Memorial Day represents, how many truly understand the significance of this day and how it relates to the United States Constitution?
Memorial Day was established in 1868, a few years following the conclusion of the Civil War, to honor the dead—from both north and south—who fought in that war. The first observance of Memorial Day (originally dubbed Decoration Day) was held at Arlington National Cemetery.
Today, Memorial Day is observed to honor all our men and women who have perished in service to our nation. It is celebrated on the last Monday in May. On this day, flowers and American flags are placed at each grave of our nation’s fallen. The flowers placed on these graves are representative of the love and reverence of those who have passed, while the American flags honor both their sacrifice for our national freedom and the Constitution.
So, what is the significance of Memorial Day to the United States Constitution? For those of you reading this who have served in the armed forces, you may remember the day when you raised your right hand at MEPS reciting the enlistment oath:
“I, ____________________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”- United States Code Title 10 Section 502
If you analyze the oath, you’ll notice that your service is first to the Constitution before the President of the United States. Hence, it can be asserted that the members of the armed forces who perish during service to our nation do so—directly or indirectly—in an effort to preserve and honor the founding principles of our Constitution. Although the Constitution is technically a contract between the United States and its People, it is unique amongst any other type of contract in existence within this country. Why? Too many people have paid for this contract in blood. To change the foundation of the Constitution would not only be a hard slap in the face to every currently serving member of the armed forces; it would also wholeheartedly dishonor the hundreds of thousands of service members who have died over the centuries defending it.
So, as you enjoy your barbeque, family, friends and shopping this Memorial Day, please take a moment to raise a glass for the men and women who have died in service to this nation. I also invite you to grab a copy of the U.S. Constitution and go through it. Not only would you understand the inalienable rights provided to you as a citizen of this nation, but you would also be honoring those who have died, preserving those rights. Happy Memorial Day.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
