Memorial Day in Michigan

Memorial Day – 2010

By State Representative Ken Horn

What kind of day is this - a day of celebration or a day of mourning? This question is asked each year, as if it were a new discovery. It certainly is a day to remember fallen soldiers, but I too ponder this question, as all citizens should. Just this morning, with a cup of coffee at my desk, I penned out some thoughts to share with you.

So… Celebration or mourning? I think both!

Let me take you to Klein Lüben, Germany; almost directly between Berlin and Hamburg. I don’t know how many American soldiers marched through this small town during WWII. I can’t imagine the countless bombers that flew overhead to reach one target or another.

This is where Bruno and Frieda Horn, my grandparents, watched the world change right before their very eyes. They witnessed the rise of Hitler’s fascism, and they watched the terrible chaos that ensued as the world responded to the absolute corruption of that maniacal power.

I never met my grandfather. He died in a Russian prison camp. My grandmother died not too long after, grieving both the loss of a husband and a country. While my parents escaped the Berlin Wall, the rest of my family, hidden away by cement barriers, looked longingly through razor wire towards freedom, just a hundred yards away.

With you, I mourn the loss of each American life and grieve with the families of our fallen warriors. I write this, however, in solemn celebration of the courage and sacrifice that brought victory against the true evil of that time, and without which I would literally not be with you today.

So, as a first generation American, and on behalf of my wife and children, I would like to take this opportunity to express to you how grateful we are that throughout this Nation’s history; America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen have bravely answered the call to defend our freedom, to aid our friends and allies, and to turn back the world’s aggressors.

For this day, I also wrote a short poem that I’d like to share with you:

Memorial Day in Michigan

By Ken Horn

May in Michigan, may we remember

Each and every soul

Mourning the fallen, revering freedom

Our soldiers paid the toll

Remember well; with laurel wreath

Idyllic days come with great cost

American beacons shining bright

Lives were risked, and lives were lost

Drumbeats of liberty; citizens prayed

Attesting to strength and enemies dismayed

Young soldiers stood guard with heart and with blade

In Freedom we hope, in God we trust… from

Nothing to something, ‘til some thing to dust

Michigan warms; lakes sparkle and gleam

Idle days still recall the American dream

Cook outs and picnics mark summer’s first day

Hometown parades and flags on display

Imagery and pageant are meant to recall

GI’s and warriors who stood on the wall

American soldiers are the Nation’s great story

Never forgotten, defending Freedom and Glory

We can never fully repay our debt of gratitude to the more than 650,000 American service members who died in battle or the 1.4 million who were wounded. We can, however, recognize and thank the 25 million veterans still living today.

And, while we honor the men and women that have defended our uniquely American ideals, we pray for the safety of those in combat today. Our troops are a testament to America's strength, prosperity, and to our Nation's honor. Without question, no amount of brick, mortar or metal can equal the courage of just one American who is committed to protecting us from terror.

As my parents and my grandparents discovered, freedom has the power to turn hatred and fear into hope.

Because, I know that some of you reading this are veterans of a foreign war, or have loved ones who took part in giving liberty and hope to my parents, and to my family. I thank you for this blessing.

So… let today be a day of remembrance, and as we remember those who have gone before us, may God bless all of you, and may God continue to bless America and the people willing to serve it.